Get Started in Medical Assisting in California

With 10,000 baby boomers entering the Medicare age of 65 every day, the U.S. 65+ population, now comprising 15% of all Americans, is projected to double over the next decade.

This rapidly aging group holds great promises for those entering the medical field at practically any level (specialist doctors, general physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and others).

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California State Requirements for Medical Assistant

A qualified medical assistant (QMA) is a person who has satisfactorily completed an accredited medical assisting program and has been awarded a certificate, diploma, or degree.

A Qualified Medical Assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon may perform certain routine technical support services that do not require the use of independent judgment.

The following listed services may be performed by a QMA:

Taking and recording medical histories
Performing physical examinations
Collecting lab specimens
Carrying out diagnostic tests
Assisting can perform all the non-invasive clinical and administrative tasks that are allowed by law.

A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a medical assistant who has completed a formal medical assisting program and has passed the Certification Examination for Medical Assistants given by either the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association. There is a distinction in California between “medical assistant” and “certified medical assistant“.

Become a Medical assistant in California

To become a medical assistant, the State of California does not have any specific licensing or certification requirements, other than being aware of the regulations of the Medical Board of California. The Board empowers licensed health care providers, at their discretion, to train employees, either through a formal study program, by way of hands-on training, or both. The licensed health practitioner can however require that the medical assistant they hire be certified.

Certified Medical Assistants Certification in California

Certified Medical Assistants in California must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the Certification Examination for Medical Assistants (CMA) given by either the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association.

The CMA exam is a comprehensive computer-based exam lasting two hours that tests your knowledge and skills as they pertain to the job of a medical assistant. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, divided into six domains that cover medical assisting knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from one of the two organizations that administer it: either AAMA or NHA. This credential will serve as evidence of your knowledge and competence as a medical assistant.

You can become a certified medical assistant in California by completing an accredited program, taking the CMA examination, and getting your certification from either AAMA or NHA. With the right qualifications and experience, you can find great employment opportunities in this field. Medical assistants are integral members of the healthcare team and with the right education and training, you can make a difference in someone’s life.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistants Certification in California

Certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CCMA) in California must complete an approved clinical medical assisting program, which includes the completion of a minimum number of supervised clinical experiences. They must also pass the National Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam administered by the NHA.

The CCMA exam is a comprehensive computer-based exam lasting two hours that tests your knowledge and skills as they pertain to the job of a clinical medical assistant. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, divided into six domains that cover clinical medical assisting knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from NHA. This credential will serve as evidence of your knowledge and competence as a clinical medical assistant.

You can become a certified clinical medical assistant in California by completing an approved program, taking the CCMA examination, and getting your certification from NHA. With the right qualifications and experience, you can find great employment opportunities in this field. Clinical medical assistants are essential members of the healthcare team and with the right education

Registered Medical Assistants Certification in California

Registered Medical Assistants (RMA) in California must complete an approved medical assisting program, which includes the completion of a minimum number of supervised clinical experiences. They must also pass the American Medical Technologists Registered Medical Assistant certification exam.

The RMA exam is a comprehensive computer-based exam lasting two hours that tests your knowledge and skills as they pertain to the job of a medical assistant. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, divided into six domains that cover medical assisting knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from AMT. This credential will serve as evidence of your knowledge and competence as a medical assistant.

You can become a registered medical assistant in California by completing an approved program, taking the RMA examination, and getting your certification from AMT. With the right qualifications and experience, you can find great employment opportunities in this field. Medical assistants are important members of the healthcare team and with the right education and training, you can make a difference in someone’s life.

Job Outlook in Medical Assisting in California

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for medical assistants in the U.S. in 2021 was $17.88 per hour, or $37,190 per year, with a typical entry-level education of post-secondary vocational. For the entire country, the demand for assistants is estimated to grow by 16% over the period 20201 to 2031.

There were 95,000 medical assistants in California in 2020, estimated to grow to 114,000 by 2030. This represents a growth rate of 20% for those years.

Salaries for Medical Assistants in California

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), salary ranges are as follows:

Overall mean hourly wage = $17.61 (this compares with $14.94 in Florida, $14.56 in Texas, and $17.08 in New York). The corresponding mean annual wage for California is $36,620.

The California annual mean entry-level wage (lowest 10%) is $11.72 ($24,390 on an annual basis). This goes up to a mean hourly wage of $13.61 for the first 25% ($28,300 on an annual basis).

The California annual median hourly wage for the first 25% is $16.65, increasing to $20.69 for the first 75% ($34,640 annually), and $25.34 for the first 90% ($52,710 annually). The top 10% can naturally earn more.

California entry-level (First 10%) wages break down into the following sample of regions:

Los Angeles: hourly mean wage of $17.21 ($35,800 annually)
Napa: hourly mean wage of $17.71 ($36,550 annually)
San Francisco: hourly mean wage of $22 ($45,130 annually)
San Diego-Carlsbad: hourly mean wage of $18 ($37,190 annually)
Stockton-Lodi: hourly mean wage of $15 ($32,030 annually)

Well-Known Medical Assistant Schools in California with a Medical Assistant Program

The first thing to do is pick from the list we provide those schools with a medical assistant training program that is close to you and research them carefully. Generally, a one-year diploma at a vocational school costs $1,200-$4,000+, depending on each program. The same can cost $2,500-$10,000 for an associate’s degree at a community college. Given these disparities, you will need to contact the school of your choice and ask about tuition costs and other expenses. Here though is a description of what a few typical schools offer:

Milan Institute, Bakersfield

Located on 2822 F Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 (888- 207-9460), and with other campuses in Fresno, Merced, Palm Desert, and Visalia, this institute offers a one-year (full-time) diploma, or a two-year (full-time) Medical assistant Associate Degree, considered a stepping stone to a Bachelor’s degree. This institute is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

American Career College-Long Beach

Located at 236 East 3rd Street, Long Beach, CA, 90802, (562-206-0400), and with other campuses in Los Angeles, Lynwood, Ontario, and Orange County, this school enables you to receive a diploma in less than a year. You will have to first complete the Introduction to Healthcare course before embarking on the course on Medical Assistant Responsibilities, Office Procedures and Clinical Practices, and other courses. This institute is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Glendale Community College

Located at 1500 N Verdugo Road, California, 91208, (818-551-5205), and with two other locations in Glendale, and one in Montrose, this is a large institution with programs in several fields. Medical assistants offer an undergraduate certificate that can be completed in 48 weeks during which students must complete at least 12 study units that are required for certification. This institute is accredited by the Western Association of schools and Colleges.

Pasadena City College

Located at 1570 E Colorado Boulevard, California 91106, this is another substantial 2-year community college that offers diplomas and degrees ranging from Certificate to Associate, Bachelor’s Master, and even Doctorate. This college is accredited by the Western Association of schools and Colleges.

Employment Options

Employment options are plentiful in California. To cite just one example of the San Diego area, there are numerous hospitals, specialized doctors’ offices, and other medical centers to which you could apply. Here are but a few:

Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego
Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns
Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital
University of California
Lifewellness Institute
Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar
Chronic Care Management Inc.

References

1 CAAHEP refers to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

2 ABHES refers to Accredited Bureau of Health Education Schools

Popular Medical Assistant Schools In California

FAQs

How much do medical assistants earn in the state of California?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of California made an average of $38,780 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $30,210 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $61,800.