Medical Assistant Schools and Salaries in California

At Santa Rosa Junior College, students may complete an associate degree in medical assisting with one of three emphases: administrative medical assisting, clinical medical assisting, or clinical and administrative medical assisting. Students in these programs will become fluent in medical terminology and be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of medical and administrative procedures. Many credits offered at SRJC are fully transferable, allowing students to continue their education at a different school if they need to transfer. SRJC also offers several courses in an online format, which largely beneficial to students with familial or work obligations that might otherwise interfere with earning a degree.

Contra Costa College offers a two-year associate of science program with an emphasis in medical assisting that will prepare students for employment in a hospital, clinical, or medical office. Students under this program will be able to concurrently complete a certificate of achievement in medical assisting and office technician, as well as a certificate in medical terminology. Most Contra Costa credits may be transferred to other two-year and four-year schools of higher education, and also honors applicable credits earned at other institutions. While Contra Costa associate programs often take around two years, students can meet with their academic advisor to build a schedule that utilizes winter and summer classes, allowing for the quickest route to graduation.

Students who complete the medical assisting program at West Valley College will be able to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of administrative and basic medical procedures common to hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. This 42-unit program will take the typical full-time student just over three semesters to complete, allowing them to begin their career as a medical assistant as quickly as possible. One of the greatest benefits of studying at West Valley is its affordability; students are able to get the same quality education as is offered at four-year schools of higher education without paying the high prices common to upper-level schools.

In addition to completing an associate of science degree in medical assisting at Cabrillo College, students also have the option to concurrently complete a certificate in medical assisting or phlebotomy, further specializing their learning for a competitive job market. Through a series of in-class and clinical courses, students will learn basic skills in medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, and understanding medical laws and ethics. Students coming in from a different school of higher education may be able to receive credit for their previously completed classes, given that they match Cabrillo College’s degree requirements.

Student who are interested in beginning a career in the developing field of medical assisting may wish to consider completing one of Saddleback College’s medical certificate programs, including administrative medical assisting, clinical medical assisting, and comprehensive medical assisting. Graduates from these programs are able to demonstrate the skills medical employers are looking for in an employee, such as an understanding for medical billing and coding procedures, the ability to aid in basic examinations, and a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology. Students attending Saddleback College may wish to complete some of their coursework in an online format, allowing them to further their education without disrupting their daily lives.

Canada College offers a variety of associate and certificate program emphases in medical assisting, including medical billing specialist, administrative medical assistant, and medical coding specialist. Each of these programs—ranging from 18-unit certificates to 60-unit associate degrees—can help to facilitate student career advancement in a medical environment. Students enrolled at Canada College become part of an inclusive and thriving community characterized by social interaction and academic integrity. Extracurricular time can be spent by participating in student government, attending on-campus events, or joining one of Canada College’s student-operated clubs.

Students who study at Cuesta College can kick start a career as a medical assistant by completing an associate of science degree in medical assisting. Students are taught all necessary clinical skills, methods of managing a medical office or clinic, and communications skills that employers are looking for. Students who have busy schedules may wish to consider studying in either online or evening sections, allowing them to maintain their daily obligations outside of school. While Cuesta College offers a college education at a cheap price, students also have the option to apply for a variety of financial aid opportunities to further lighten their financial load.

Allan Hancock College offers its medical assisting certificate programs in both a daytime format (medical assisting certificate) and an evening format (medical billing certificate), allowing students to work towards career advancement whenever best fits their schedule. Students who complete an associate degree program with Allan Hancock may go on to immediately begin a career in their field of choice, or may transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s program. Online learning is a beneficial option for students who have non-curricular obligations that may cause time constraints when it comes to scheduling courses. Financial aid is available to all eligible Allan Hancock students.

The medical assisting program at Chabot College prepares students to take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam, allowing for career advancement in a medical-based environment. Medical assisting students will learn to perform both administrative and clinical duties, making them well-rounded employees with high marketability in the current job-market. Students transferring in from a different school of higher education may receive credit for classes taken at other schools, so long as it is applicable to their Chabot degree. Students also have the option to meet with career counselors to develop their resume and practice their interview skills.

A degree in medical assisting earned at Moreno Valley College can help prepare students to begin a career as a medical assistant in a medical office or clinic. This program is designed to develop students’ skills in understanding medical terminology, performing administrative functions such as processing medical billing, and assisting in basic patient examinations. Moreno Valley is an excellent choice for students looking to complete a college degree, but are looking to do so at a cheaper price. Moreno Valley is made even more affordable with its numerous opportunities for scholarships and grants that are available to any qualifying student.