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).

[Leer en español]

Search Medical Assistant Programs

Get information on Medical Assistant programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

Earning your diploma is a great first career step that embarks you into this vastly promising medical field. Medical assistants are critical to the effective functioning of most medical centers, whether in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and wherever else people go for their medical needs.

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.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in California

As of 2022, medical assistants in California earn an average annual salary of $44,650, with the top 10% earning $68,670 or more. This is a significant increase compared to the national median pay of $17.88 per hour or $37,190 per year in 2021. The demand for medical assistants in California, as well as across the United States, is expected to grow robustly, with a 20% growth rate projected in California between 2020 and 2030.

In 2020, there were 95,000 medical assistants in California, and this number is estimated to grow to 114,000 by 2030. This growth reflects the increasing demand for healthcare services and the vital role of medical assistants in the healthcare industry.

Salary Comparison – National vs. California

United States California
Annual Low (10%) $30,390 $35,370
Annual Median (50%) $38,270 $44,650
Annual High (90%) $51,710 $68,670

Salaries and Percentiles by Region in California

Region Annual Low (10%) Annual Median (50%) Annual High (90%)
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $35,370 $39,310 $59,090
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA $42,900 $58,630 $76,050

Medical Assistant Trends in California

The employment outlook for medical assistants in California is showing significant growth. In 2020, there were approximately 95,000 medical assistants employed in the state. This number is projected to increase to 114,000 by 2030, representing a substantial growth rate of 20% over the decade. This growth rate is notably higher than the national average, indicating a particularly strong demand for medical assistants in California.

Nationally, the employment figures for medical assistants were 764,400 in 2022, with a projected increase to 870,200 by 2032. This represents a 14% growth at the national level, which is characterized as “much faster than average.” The projected annual job openings nationally, from 2022 to 2032, are estimated to be 114,600.

Employment Trends

Category California (2020-2030) United States (2022-2032)
Current Employment 95,000 employees (2020) 764,400 employees (2022)
Projected Employment 114,000 employees (2030) 870,200 employees (2032)
Projected Growth 20% 14% (Much faster than average)
Projected Annual Job Openings 14,000 114,600

Sources of data:

  1. California Data: The employment figures and projections for California are sourced from Projections Central, specifically their 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central specializes in state-level employment projections, providing detailed insights into various occupations.
  2. United States Data: The national employment statistics and projections are obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), particularly their 2022-2032 employment projections.

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

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

ABHES refers to Accredited Bureau of Health Education Schools

Popular Medical Assistant Schools In California

Search Medical Assistant Programs

Get information on Medical Assistant programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

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.

College Listings