Best Medical Assistant Schools in California

American Career College (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
American Career College offers a 36-week, ABHES-accredited Medical Assistant diploma program that combines a flexible blended format—requiring only two days of in-person instruction per week—with over 200 hours of real-world clinical externship experience. Graduates are specifically prepared to sit for national certification exams, including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credentials, while mastering a dual skillset in both administrative office management and clinical procedures like phlebotomy and EKG administration.

• Anaheim, Ontario, Los Angeles

Arizona College of Nursing (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
Arizona College offers an ABHES-accredited Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy diploma program that can be completed in approximately 31 weeks (7 months) through a flexible online/in-person hybrid format. The curriculum spans three academic quarters and concludes with a mandatory five-week clinical externship, providing students with the hands-on experience necessary to pursue dual certifications as a Registered Medical Assistant and a Phlebotomist.

• Ontario

Bakersfield College (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
Bakersfield College’s Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate of Achievement prepares students for entry-level roles in both administrative and clinical healthcare settings. This short-term program equips learners with essential skills such as taking vital signs, assisting with procedures, managing patient records, and supporting physicians in a variety of medical environments. Graduates are qualified for positions like clinical medical assistant, EKG technician, and patient care technician in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices.

• Bakersfield

Bay Area Medical Academy (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
Bay Area Medical Academy’s 9-month, 900-hour hybrid Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy and EKG program prepares students for three nationally recognized credentials: National Certified Medical Assistant, Certified EKG Technician (CET), and California Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-1). The curriculum combines online coursework, hands-on labs, and a 200-hour externship, equipping graduates with both administrative and clinical skills for immediate entry into the healthcare field. Accredited by multiple agencies, the program offers flexible scheduling, financial aid options, and high employer recognition, with many students hired directly from their externships.

• San Francisco, San Jose

Blake Austin College (Rating: 3.4 out 5)
The Clinical Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy program at Blake Austin College prepares students for various patient care duties under the guidance of experienced instructors. The program covers essential knowledge of body systems and medical laboratory tests, along with training in Venipuncture, pharmacology, and cardiology assistance techniques. Graduates will complete an externship, fulfill California's licensure requirements, and be ready to work in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, medical offices, and laboratories.

• Sacramento

Bradford College of Nursing (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
Bradford College of Nursing’s Medical Assistant Program is a 920-hour, 29-week course (including externship) that trains students in both administrative and clinical skills for entry-level healthcare positions. Evening classes run from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, insurance billing, appointment scheduling, phlebotomy, medication administration, and patient preparation. Graduates are prepared for certification and employment in clinical settings, with tuition assistance options available through the WIOA program.

• Stockton

CALRegional Training Institute Stockton (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
The California Medical Assistant Program provides rapid, hands-on training to become a clinical medical assistant, typically taking 8 to 10 weeks for program completion. For $2,995 or less, this training includes 160 hours of classroom instruction and a guaranteed 160-hour externship, preparing students to take and earn the national Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) exam administered by the AMCA.

• Fairfield

Carrington College (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
Carrington College offers a 36-week Medical Assisting program leading to a Certificate of Achievement, with a curriculum that balances administrative office management and hands-on clinical training. Graduates are prepared for professional certification and are eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the NHA, as well as the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exams depending on their specific campus location. The program is designed for efficiency and flexibility, often delivered in a blended or hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person laboratory instruction and a concluding 180-hour clinical externship.

• Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, Stockton

Center for Employment Training (Rating: 4 out 5)
The Center for Employment Training (CET) offers an accelerated Medical Assistant program that can be completed in approximately 8 to 9 months, integrating all necessary training supplies, tools, and scrubs into the tuition. This hands-on curriculum covers both administrative and clinical competencies—ranging from phlebotomy and EKG administration to medical billing—and culminates in a real-world clinical externship. Graduates are specifically prepared to pursue industry-recognized credentials, including the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certifications, with the school providing dedicated job placement assistance to transition students directly into the healthcare workforce.

• San Diego, San Jose

Central Coast College (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Central Coast College offers a 46-week Medical Assisting program that utilizes a hybrid learning model, allowing students to complete classroom theory online while attending on-campus labs for only 3 to 4 hours a day. The curriculum is comprehensive, requiring 755 total hours—including a 175-hour clinical externship—to ensure students master both administrative office management and clinical skills such as phlebotomy, EKG administration, and injections. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion and Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification, and are specifically prepared to sit for nationally recognized credentials like the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).

• Salinas

Charter College (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
Charter College offers a fast-track Medical Assistant certificate program that can be completed in as few as 10 months using a blended learning format that combines online knowledge-based lessons with hands-on laboratory sessions. The curriculum focuses on both clinical duties and administrative tasks, concluding with a 180-hour externship in a real-world healthcare setting. Graduates are specifically prepared to sit for the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) or the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, and the college even provides a certification voucher to help cover exam costs.

• Canyon Country

City College of San Francisco (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
City College of San Francisco’s Medical Assisting program trains students for versatile roles in outpatient healthcare through a blend of administrative and clinical coursework. Offering multiple certificates and associate degree tracks, the program prepares graduates for positions like medical receptionist, biller, or clinic assistant. Many credentials can be completed in under two years, with flexible options including online and part-time pathways to meet varied career goals.

• San Francisco

Concorde Career College (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
Concorde Career College offers a versatile Medical Assistant program with a 9 to 17-month diploma track available at all 17 campuses, as well as a more comprehensive 16-month Associate of Applied Science degree offered at select locations. The curriculum utilizes a blended learning approach—combining virtual coursework, hands-on lab training, and clinical externships—to prepare students for both administrative and clinical roles, including CPR and First Aid. While specific certifications are not listed in the text, the program is designed to meet employer demands and prepare graduates for essential duties in private practices, clinics, and acute care settings.

• Garden Grove, North Hollywood, San Bernardino, San Diego

De Anza College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
De Anza College’s Community Education department offers a 100% online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) course that can be completed in approximately 12 months, covering 540 course hours. This self-paced program prepares students to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) CCMA exam and includes an exam voucher as part of the tuition. The curriculum is designed to balance clinical procedures like administering injections and taking vital signs with administrative tasks such as medical coding and record management, occasionally offering a bundled option for Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) certification as well.

• Cupertino

Glendale Career College (Rating: 4 out 5)
Glendale Career College (GCC) offers an ABHES-accredited Medical Assistant program that can typically be completed in approximately 9 months (32–36 weeks) through a curriculum divided into eight modular courses. This intensive training balances administrative skills, such as medical billing and electronic record-keeping, with clinical procedures like phlebotomy, EKG administration, and pharmacology. The program includes a mandatory 144-hour clinical externship, providing hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting. Upon graduation, students receive a diploma and are eligible to pursue industry-recognized credentials, such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), with job placement assistance available to help launch their careers.

• Glendale, West Covina, San Diego, Bakersfield, Riverside

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts offers an accelerated 8-month (30-week) certificate program that combines 576 hours of didactic and laboratory instruction with a 180-hour clinical externship. The curriculum is designed to balance front-office administrative tasks with back-office clinical skills, specifically preparing students to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA-NHA) and Certified EKG Technician (CET-NHA) national exams. In addition to these primary certifications, graduates also earn their AHA Basic Life Support (CPR) certification and a HIPAA certificate, ensuring they are fully credentialed for immediate entry into the workforce.

• Concord, Fresno, Modesto, Sacramento, San Jose, Van Nuys

High Desert Medical College (Rating: 3.1 out 5)
High Desert Medical College offers a 34-week Clinical Medical Assisting certificate program (extended to 42 weeks for evening students) that utilizes a hybrid learning format to balance administrative theory with hands-on clinical training. The curriculum requires 780 clock hours, including a 160-hour real-world externship, and provides specialized instruction in Electronic Health Records, ICD-10 coding, venipuncture, and EKG administration. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion and are specifically prepared to sit for national CMA certifications, ensuring they are ready for the workforce in as few as nine months.

• Bakersfield, Lancaster, Temecula

Institute for Business & Technology (Rating: 3.3 out 5)
The Institute for Business and Technology (IBT) in San Jose offers an accredited Medical Assistant diploma program that can be completed in as few as 9 months. The curriculum focuses on a blend of administrative duties and clinical skills—such as administering injections and managing electronic medical records—and includes a hands-on externship to provide real-world experience. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are specifically prepared to sit for the Medical Assistant National Certification (NCCT), a highly valued credential that helps candidates stand out in the Bay Area job market.

• San Jose

Institute of Technology (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
The Institute of Technology (IOT) provides a 40-week (9-month) Professional Medical Assistant program delivered in a hybrid format, blending flexible online coursework with essential face-to-face laboratory training. Students complete a total of 860 hours, which includes a mandatory 160-hour clinical externship at an affiliated healthcare facility to gain real-world experience in clinical and administrative procedures. Graduates earn a diploma and are eligible to sit for national certification exams, with the college specifically preparing students for credentials such as the Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).

• Clovis, Modesto, Redding

InterCoast Colleges (Rating: 3.4 out 5)
InterCoast College offers a competency-based Behavioral Health Assistant certificate program designed to be completed in just 40 weeks, allowing students to enter the workforce in less than a year. The curriculum focuses on essential skills such as intensive case management, crisis intervention, and family psycho-education, preparing graduates to support social workers and substance use disorder counselors in various clinical settings. While the program awards a Certificate upon completion, it also provides a unique pathway for students to obtain their high school diploma concurrently while training for their new career.

• Anaheim, Fairfield, Rancho Cordova, Riverside, West Covina

Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences (KPSAHS) offers a 12-month Medical Assisting certificate program that provides intensive, high-value training at a total cost of less than $8,000. The curriculum features 320 clinical hours across 18 medical centers and is available at the Richmond campus or through a new evening cohort at the Mission Bay campus in San Francisco. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion and are academically eligible to pursue national credentials—such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or the Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)—to launch their healthcare careers in Northern California.

• Richmond

Long Beach City College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
Long Beach City College’s Medical Assisting program prepares students for entry-level administrative and clinical roles in healthcare through a curriculum that integrates cognitive, psychomotor, and interpersonal skill development. Students can earn an Associate in Science degree or Certificates of Achievement in combined, administrative, or clinical options, along with short-term Certificates of Accomplishment in areas like EMT, medical billing, and phlebotomy. The program equips graduates with the knowledge and hands-on training needed to work confidently in physician offices and medical facilities.

• Long Beach

Milan Institute (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
The Milan Institute offers an accelerated 36-week (9-month) Medical Assisting certificate program across its campuses in California, Nevada, and Texas, blending comprehensive classroom instruction with a professional clinical externship. The curriculum covers a versatile range of skills, including 12-lead EKGs, pharmacology, and insurance coding, to prepare students for both front-office and back-office roles. Upon graduation, students are prepared for entry-level positions and are eligible to sit for national certification exams such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or the Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) to enhance their professional credentials.

• Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, Palm Desert, Visalia, Fairfield, La Quinta

National Career College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
National Career College offers an accelerated 8-month Medical Assistant diploma program in Panorama City, featuring flexible day, afternoon, and hybrid evening schedules. The ABHES-accredited curriculum integrates comprehensive clinical and administrative training with a mandatory 205-hour externship to ensure students are workforce-ready. Upon completion, graduates are specifically eligible to pursue prestigious national credentials, including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA and the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) through the NCCT.

• Panorama City

North-West College (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
North-West College offers an accelerated Medical Assistant program that prepares students for the workforce in less than a year through a combination of clinical and administrative training. The curriculum focuses on essential competencies such as measuring vital signs, administering injections, and laboratory specimen preparation, and it is specifically designed to provide the certification required to secure positions in medical offices and hospitals. Graduates of this ABHES-accredited program gain the necessary credentials and hands-on skills to support physicians across nine California campuses, including Anaheim, Riverside, and San Diego.

• West Covina, Pomona, Glendale, Riverside, Anaheim, Long Beach, San Diego, Bakersfield

Pima Medical Institute (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
Pima Medical Institute offers an accelerated 9-month Medical Assistant certificate program available in both traditional on-campus and flexible hybrid formats. The curriculum provides comprehensive clinical and clerical training, including a career-defining clinical externship where students gain hands-on experience under professional mentorship. Graduates earn their CPR and First Aid certification as part of the core sequence and are prepared to sit for national medical assistant certification exams to secure entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices.

• San Diego, San Marcos

Platt College (Rating: 3 out 5)
Platt College offers a hybrid Medical Assisting Associate’s Degree program that can be completed in as little as 15 months, utilizing a structured blend of online and on-ground courses. Students gain hands-on clinical experience through externships in procedures such as venipuncture and electrocardiography, and graduates receive both First Aid and CPR cards as part of their training. Notably, the college supports professional advancement by covering the first exam fee (up to a $200 value) and providing tutoring to help graduates obtain their National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) certification.

• Alhambra, Anaheim, Ontario, Riverside

San Joaquin Valley College (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
SJVC’s Clinical Medical Assisting program equips graduates for roles in medical offices and clinics through hands-on training. Students can earn a Certificate of Completion in as few as 9 months or an Associate of Science Degree, with courses available online or at 14 campuses in California. The program covers essential skills such as drawing blood, maintaining patient records, preparing patients for exams, and lab work protocols. Accredited and offering affordable tuition, SJVC prepares students for real-world medical assisting careers.

• Bakersfield, Delano, Fresno, Hesperia, Lancaster, Salida, Ontario, Porterville, Rancho Cordova, Temecula, Visalia, Sacramento, San Leandro, Santa Maria, Rancho Mirage

San Jose City College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
San José City College offers a flexible Medical Assisting program with open enrollment during Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters, allowing students to pursue an Associate of Science degree or specialized career certificates in Administrative and Clinical tracks. The curriculum emphasizes real-world experience through competitive externship placements and hands-on training overseen by a diverse faculty of medical professionals. Based on local Google reviews and program data, graduates are uniquely qualified to sit for multiple prestigious credentials, including the NCMA, NCMOA, CCMA, and the RMA through the American Medical Technologists.

• San Jose

Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) offers a rigorous Medical Assisting program where high school students earn 30 credits per year while developing back-office clinical and academic skills. The curriculum includes anatomical studies, lab procedures, and optional clinical training in professional medical facilities, providing a direct pathway to three units of articulated college credit at West Valley College. Upon successful completion, students receive a course competency certificate and CPR & AED certification, qualifying them for high-demand roles like pediatric assistants or hospital admitting clerks.

• San Jose

South Coast College (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
South Coast College offers a comprehensive 9-month Medical Assistant certificate program in Orange, CA, designed to prepare students for the healthcare field through an interactive, small-class setting. The curriculum emphasizes a "hands-on" approach in fully equipped labs and includes a professional clinical externship, allowing students to gain real-world experience and build industry connections before graduation. While the program focuses on entry-level qualification, the college specifically highlights that this training serves as a foundational step for graduates to pursue advanced certifications and licensing in fields such as Vocational Nursing, Phlebotomy, and Surgical Technology.

• Orange

Southern California Health Institute (Rating: 4 out 5)
The Southern California Health Institute (SOCHI) offers an accredited Medical Assistant diploma program that can be completed in just 9 months through a flexible hybrid format involving twice-weekly in-person sessions and online coursework. The curriculum covers a robust range of clinical and administrative competencies, including phlebotomy, EKG administration, and Electronic Health Records, culminating in a mandatory 150-hour real-world externship. While the program focuses on rapid workforce entry, it provides the essential academic and technical foundation required for graduates to pursue national certification and secure roles in hospitals, private clinics, or specialized care centers.

• Reseda

Summit College (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
Summit College offers a comprehensive Medical Assistant – Administrative & Clinical program at its San Bernardino and El Cajon campuses, designed to be completed in as few as 9 months. The curriculum provides a dual-focus on clinical skills like phlebotomy and EKGs alongside administrative office management, featuring small class sizes and a mandatory real-world externship for practical experience. While the program awards a diploma upon completion, it is specifically structured to provide the technical foundation and hands-on training required for graduates to pursue national certification and enter the fast-growing healthcare field.

• Colton, San Diego, Anaheim

UEI College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
UEI College offers a hybrid Medical Assistant diploma program that can be completed in as few as 10 months, blending online lectures with twice-weekly, on-campus clinical labs. The curriculum provides comprehensive "front and back office" training, including pharmacology, EKG administration, and a mandatory 180-hour professional externship with a local healthcare employer. While a diploma is awarded upon graduation, the program is specifically designed to prepare students for national certification exams, which are highly recommended for employment in most states and legally required in Washington.

• Anaheim, Bakersfield, Chula Vista, Fresno, Gardena, Huntington Park, Ontario, Riverside, Sacramento, San Marcos, Stockton, West Covina

Unitek College (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
Unitek College’s Medical Assisting program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for entry-level roles in the healthcare field in as little as 9 months. The hybrid program combines online instruction with hands-on lab exercises and a 160-hour externship, covering essential administrative and clinical skills such as medical office procedures, anatomy, pharmacology, and diagnostic imaging. Graduates will earn 28 semester credits and be equipped with the knowledge and practical experience needed for immediate employment in various healthcare settings.

• Bakersfield, Concord, Fremont, Hayward, Sacramento, San Jose, South San Francisco