Study At A Medical Assistant School in California, Pursue A Perfect Career For You
There are any medical assistant schools in California and they offer medical assisting certificates, diplomas and associate and bachelor degree programs that help prepare graduates to pursue careers in:
- Physicians’ Offices
- Clinics
- Nursing Homes
California ranks number one in states nationwide with the highest employment levels for the occupation of medical assistant. Before we get into information about medical assistant schools in California, we thought you’d be interested to learn some general education information about the state.
Colleges in California
According to the 2018 National Center for Education Statistics:
- There are 151 public colleges in California
- 49 of those colleges are 4 year schools, while 102 are 2 year schools
- In 2018 there were 2,765,205 enrolled college students
- Total 2018 male fall enrollment is 1,231,417
- Total 2018 female fall enrollment is 1,533,788
Do I Need a Medical Assistant Certification in California?
The State of California does not require medical assistants to be licensed, certified or registered by a state agency. However, many healthcare employers in California may require that you gain certification from a national or private association. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits five certifications for medical assistants. However, these related fields do require state licensure:
CNA – requires certification via the California Department of Public Health. You must take an initial exam and then renew your certification every two years. Experience requirements for the initial certification also include 100 hours of supervised clinical training and 50 hours of classroom training.
Medical Laboratory Technician – requires certification via the California Department of Public Health. Requirements for initial certification include an official transcript with Associate Degree in Science at least 60 semester units course work shall include 6 semester units of chemistry and 6 semester units in biology. 26 weeks of Clinical training in an approved MLT training program or NACCLS program. 3 years on the job practical experience within the previous 5 years in a clinical lab outside California, California Physician office laboratory and laboratory owned and operated by the United States of America as MLT.
Registered Dental Assistant – requires certification via the Department of Consumer Affairs of the Dental Board of California. Experience requirements include graduation from a Board-approved dental assistant program or 15 months on-the-job training as a dental assistant for a licensed dentist. Completion of approved courses in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, 8-hour Infection Control course, 2-hour Dental Practice Act course, Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support course.
How Much Do Medical Assistants in California Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there were 96,850 medical assistants in California. These 90k plus pros represent .56% of the states job. The median wage for medical assistants in California is $37,640. With an hourly median pay of $18.10.
What are the top metro areas in California to work in?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metro areas that pay the most are San Francisco, San Mateo & Redwood City as well as Oakland, Fremont, & Hayward. The 2019 median salary for medical assistants in these other metro areas is as follows:
Metro Area | Jobs | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
---|---|---|---|
Bakersfield, CA – Delano, CA | 2,130 | $15.20 | $31,610 |
Los Angeles, CA – Long Beach, CA -Glendale, CA | 32,040 | $17.43 | $36,260 |
Modesto, CA | 1,410 | $17.22 | $35,810 |
Oakland, CA – Fremont, CA – Hayward, CA | 12,320 | $23.26 | $48,370 |
Oxnard, CA – Thousand Oaks, CA -Ventura, CA | 1,580 | $18.15 | $37,750 |
Redding, CA | 800 | $17.08 | $35,520 |
Sacramento, CA – Arden, CA – Arcade, CA – Roseville, CA | 6,870 | $19,16 | $39,850 |
San Diego, CA – Carlsbad, CA – San Marcos, CA | 8,130 | $18.58 | $38,640 |
San Francisco, CA – San Mateo, CA – Redwood City, CA | 12,320 | $23,26 | $48,370 |
San Jose, CA – Sunnyvale, CA – Santa Clara, CA | 5,100 | $21.95 | $45,660 |
Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Maria, CA – Goleta, CA | 1,300 | $17.24 | $35,860 |
Where do medical assistants work?
Medical assistants usually work in physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They perform administrative and clinical tasks that involve working with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
A few hospitals in California:
- UCLA Medical Center
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- UCSF Medical Center
- Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital
- Keck Medical Center of USC
If you have made the decision to move forward with an education to help you achieve the pursuit of your goals, below is a list of medical assistant schools in California that we work with offering degree programs in the medical assisting profession. And remember, while a degree or certification may not be required, employers may prefer to hire medical assistants who have completed a medical assisting program!