Medical assistants (MA) are in huge demand in Los Angeles County, as well as the whole of California. Factors such as the boom in aging populations and the loss of medical professionals due to retirement or career shifting have greatly contributed to the rise in job listings.
Now is considered the perfect time to pursue a career in Medical Assisting, especially in LA County where hourly wages average at $24 an hour. This is typically higher than the national average of $21 an hour.
Take advantage of such a career opportunity by enrolling in any of these LA county schools that offer Associates, Diploma, and Certificate programs in Medical Assisting:
Associate Degree Programs
If you want to learn more and gain more employment opportunities, consider taking an AS degree in Medical Assisting. After all, you can use the units earned from this degree to pursue further education.
East LA College
Location: Monterey Park, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Units: 68
Clinical Externship Hours: 135
Resident tuition: $3,128 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $16,514 plus other fees
Program Overview: ELAC’s AS degree provides students with the necessary information and skills to succeed as entry-level medical assistants. The curriculum consists of didactic and laboratory classes that focus on anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, phlebotomy, and pharmacology, to name a few. Students are also required to attend general education lectures and internships at nearby medical facilities.
Cerritos College
Location: Norwalk, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Units: 29-60
Clinical Externship Hours: 180
Tuition: $4,200
Program Overview: At Cerritos College, students may get an AS or Certificate of Completion in Medical Assisting. Both provide the necessary knowledge and skills for front- and back-office management. Regardless of the track, full-time or part-time students must maintain a grade of C or above in order to complete their chosen course.
Los Angeles Mission College
Location: Sylmar, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Units: 17-67
Clinical Externship Hours: 135
Tuition: $782 to $3,082 plus other fees
Program Overview: LAMC offers certificate and AS programs for budding medical assistants. The former may be completed in three terms while the latter may be finished in five. Both courses are designed to equip students with the competencies they need to perform front-office and back-office tasks. Students who complete any of the mentioned tracks satisfactorily are deemed eligible to take the CCBMA exam.
Regan Career Institute
Location: El Monte, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Units: 160-1260
Clinical Externship Hours: 160
Tuition: $11,500
Program Overview: RCI’s AS in Medical Assisting program takes 54 weeks to complete, while its certificate program takes about 9-13 months. Students who wish to expand their skill sets may opt to pursue a Phlebotomy or EKG certificate as well. Upon completing the coursework and required externship hours, students are eligible to sit in for the Certified Medical Assistant national exam.
West Los Angeles College
Location: Culver City, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Units: 22-60.5
Clinical Externship Hours: n/a
Tuition: $4,705.50
Program Overview: WLAC offers an AS program in Medical Assisting as well as certificate programs for Clinical MA, Administrative MA, or both. The programs may be finished in as short as four terms. Students of both the certificate and AS track may sit in for the California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants (CCBMA) test.
Diploma Programs
A diploma in Medical Assisting is a short-course study that helps students develop the necessary clinical and administrative skills. Here are some LA county schools that offer this specialized program:
ABC Adult School
Location: Cerritos, California
Modality: Hybrid
Coursework Hours: n/a
Clinical Externship Hours: 160
Tuition: $2,737
Program Overview: ABC’s competency-based certificate and diploma programs are designed to provide students with the skills they need to work in physician’s offices, specialty practices, and ambulatory care centers. The program must be completed within two years; and, upon finishing, the student may take the CMAA or phlebotomy certification exam. Financial aid is offered to qualified students.
American Career College
Location: Los Angeles, California
Modality: Hybrid
Coursework Modules: 7
Clinical Externship Hours: 220
Tuition: $21,410
Program Overview: In as little as nine months, students may get their diploma in Medical Assisting at ACC Los Angeles. The program, which is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, is formatted with twice-weekly in-person and online lectures. Skills training, meanwhile, is accomplished through lab simulations and externships. Qualified students are free to apply for financial aid or scholarships.
Concorde Career College-North Hollywood
Location: Los Angeles, California
Modality: Hybrid
Coursework Units: 26
Clinical Externship Hours: 240
Tuition: $18,907
Program Overview: Concorde North Hollywood’s diploma program enables students to fill the demand for medical assistants. The program tackles administrative and clinical basics, such as diagnostic testing/sample preparation, basic first aid, data entry, and office administration. Students can readily build their skills through 240 hours of lab work and 240 hours of externship training.
Healthcare Career College
Location: Paramount, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Hours: 720
Clinical Externship Hours: 360
Tuition: $10,000
Program Overview: HCC’s 11-month diploma program is for high school graduates or GED certificate holders who wish to become skilled MAs. Throughout the course, students will be taught the basics of preparing patients, drawing blood, taking EKG tracing, and many other skills. Graduates of the program are not only qualified to become MAs, they can work as EKG or Phlebotomy techs as well.
LA Vocational Institute
Location: Los Angeles, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Hours: 720
Clinical Externship Hours: 160 minimum
Tuition: $5,500
Program Overview: LAVI’s 30-week program provides the necessary clinical and administrative training to aspiring MAs. The curriculum, which requires the devotion of about 20 hours per week, covers many essential topics. These include screenings/appointments, medical insurance, performance improvement, and minor office surgery.
Los Angeles ORT College
Location: Los Angeles, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Hours: 720
Clinical Externship Hours: 360
Tuition: n/a
Program Overview: Open to high school graduates or GED holders, LA-ORT College’s MA diploma program takes 650 hours to complete. Enrolled students are taught the basics of front office activities, such as record management and bookkeeping. They are also trained to perform back office tasks such as drawing blood, administering injections, and taking ECG tracings. Upon completing the program, the student may take the CMA or RMA certification exam.
NIU College
Location: Woodland Hills, California
Modality: Hybrid/Online
Coursework Hours: 560
Clinical Externship Hours: 160
Tuition: $7,473
Program Overview: NIU’s 36-week program provides students with specialized training to become capable clinical and administrative MAs. The flexible course comes with small class sizes that are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening. On top of getting a diploma, students can also gain Certifications in ECG and Venipuncture. As a testing site, NIU can host NHA and NCCT certification exams for its graduates.
Southern California Health Institute
Location: North Hollywood, California
Modality: Hybrid/Online
Coursework Hours: 900
Clinical Externship Hours: 150
Tuition: $14,500
Program Overview: SOCHI’s nine-month diploma program offers comprehensive courses in pharmacology, anatomy/physiology, billing & coding, and patient education. Coursework is offered through online classes and twice-a-week in-person classes. The program also comes with hands-on training through lab simulations and externship training. Financial aid is available to qualified applicants.
Certificate Programs
The following certificate programs offer a fast, affordable way to land a job as a medical assistant:
Angeles College
Location: Los Angeles, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Hours: 900
Clinical Externship Hours: 288
Tuition: $13,500
Program Overview: The immersive certificate program features 372 hours of lectures on topics such as office procedures, medical insurance, business writing, and clinical medical assisting. There’s also an accompanying 240 hours of lab work and 288 hours of externship to help students strengthen their skills in clinical and administrative medical assisting. Lectures are held from Mondays to Thursdays while externships are done from Mondays to Fridays.
Associated Technical College
Location: Los Angeles, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Hours: 720
Clinical Externship Hours: 180
Tuition: $17,000
Program Overview: The 30-week program provides students with the front-office and back-office skills needed in doctors’ offices, hospitals, or nursing facilities. Upon completing the course, students are expected to perform venipunctures, routine lab exams, and ECG tests skillfully. Likewise, they are expected to know how to file insurance claims, handle patient information, and accomplish other administrative tasks as needed.
California State University-Long Beach
Location: Long Beach, California
Modality: Hybrid and Online
Coursework Units: 14
Clinical Externship Hours: 140
Tuition: $2,889
Program Overview: CSU-LB’s Clinical Medical Assistant certificate program is a 140-hour program that requires applicants to undergo a thorough background check and drug screen. Upon completion of the hybrid or self-paced online program and the required externship hours, students may take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national examination.
California State University-Pomona College of Professional and Global Education
Location: Pomona, California
Modality: Online
Coursework Hours: 160-674
Clinical Externship Hours: 160 (minimum)
Tuition: $1,895 – $3,995
Program Overview: Cal State-Pomona’s MA certificate programs are ideal for students who want to focus on clinical medical assisting, administrative medical assisting, or both. Some programs also come with additional courses, such as Medical Terminology and Electronic Health Records. All courses, which are offered at discounted rates, are self-paced and thus are ideal for independent learners.
Casa Loma College
Location: Sherman Oaks, California
Modality: Hybrid
Coursework Hours: n/a
Clinical Externship Hours: n/a
Tuition: n/a
Program Overview: The blended program, which combines in-person and online lectures, aims to mold learners with professional values and critical-thinking skills required of MAs. The comprehensive course may be completed in as short as 32 weeks; and, upon doing so, the student may take the CCMA, CMAA, or CET exam.
Critical Care Training Center
Location: Hollywood, California
Modality: Online
Coursework Hours: n/a
Clinical Externship Hours: 160 minimum
Tuition: $2,499
Program Overview: Students of CCTA’s MA program may get their certificate of completion in as little as six months, although course access is open for 12 months upon enrollment. Applicants must not have felony or misdemeanor charges, while traffic violations must be cleared up before externship. Graduates of the program can get their certification through the CCMA or NCMA exam.
Downey Adult School
Location: Downey, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Hours: 660
Clinical Externship Hours: 160
Tuition: $4,499 (includes books)
Program Overview: Downey’s MA certificate program is meant for hands-on students who like to help people and still have flexible working hours. With its day and evening class options, students may learn core concepts in medical terminologies, electronic health records, and keyboarding according to their preferred schedule. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit in for the National Certified Medical Assistant or CCBMA test.
Glendale Community College
Location: Glendale, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Modules: 8
Clinical Externship Hours: 144
Tuition: $46 per unit
Program Overview: The 10-month program prepares future MAs for challenging work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, surgical centers, or skilled nursing facilities. The course equips students with crucial knowledge and skills in phlebotomy, EHR, appointment scheduling, and sterilization techniques, to name a few. Upon completion of the required courses and externship hours, students may get their certification through the CCMA exam.
Los Angeles Career College
Location: Northridge, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Hours: 720
Clinical Externship Hours: 360
Tuition: $11,000
Program Overview: Through a mix of audio-visual lectures and hands-on training, LACC students can become skilled medical assistants in as short as six months. Upon graduation, students can readily take the certification exam from either the National Healthcareer Association or the NCCT. LACC provides interest-free payment plans and job placement assistance to its graduates.
Los Angeles City College
Location: Los Angeles, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Courses: 5
Clinical Externship Hours: n/a
Resident tuition: $46 per unit
Non-resident tuition: $359 per unit
Program Overview: LA City College’s certificate programs focus on two aspects of medical assisting, namely front office and back office work. The former deals with activities such as scheduling appointments, maintaining health records, and processing claims. The latter, on the other hand, focuses on developing skills such as vital signs taking, patient preparation, and wound dressing changes.
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
Location: Los Angeles, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Units: 32
Clinical Externship Hours: n/a
Resident Tuition: $1,472 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $10,944 plus other fees
Program Overview: The LATTC MA certificate program is designed to help graduates perform medical office duties and responsibilities with relative ease. The curriculum, which may be completed in three semesters, covers topics such as Medical Terminology, Office Procedures, and Medical Transcription. To earn a certificate of achievement, the student must have a grade of C or higher.
Los Angeles Valley College
Location: Valley Glen, California
Modality: Online
Coursework Hours: 160-674
Clinical Externship Hours: n/a
Tuition: $1,895 to $3,995
Program Overview: LAVC’s certificate programs are geared towards aspiring clinical and administrative MAs who also wish to specialize in medical billing/coding or electronic health records. The self-paced programs have an open enrollment schedule, so students may start and complete their training at their most convenient time.
Loyola Marymount University
Location: Los Angeles, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Units: 16-53
Clinical Externship Hours: 60 (minimum)
Tuition: $2,295 to $4,595
Program Overview: LMU offers a variety of certificate programs for those who want to venture into medical assisting. Applicants may choose to specialize in clinical or administrative assisting and take additional courses in either billing and coding or electronic health records. The programs are offered online and may be started anytime. Those who complete the course are eligible to sit in for the CCMA exam.
National Career College
Location: Panorama City, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Hours: n/a
Clinical Externship Hours: 160 minimum
Tuition: $14,350
Program Overview: NCC’s 8-month MA program combines comprehensive coursework with hands-on training in nearby health facilities. Designed for working students, there is an option to attend either four classes in the day or night or five classes in the afternoon. Admission requirements include a campus visit, personal interview, and scholastic level examination. Graduates may take either the CMA or NCMA exam.
Pasadena City College
Location: Pasadena, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Units: 34
Clinical Externship Hours: 162
Tuition: $4,000
Program Overview: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, PCC’s MA certificate program runs for 11 months for full-time students and 24 months for part-time students. Interested individuals are encouraged to take courses in Medical Terminology, Biology 3, or Anatomy 25 prior to applying. Upon completion of the program, students may take the American Association of Medical Assistants Certification Exam.
Santa Monica College
Location: Santa Monica, California
Modality: Online
Coursework Hours: 160-674
Clinical Externship Hours: 160 minimum
Tuition: $1,899 to $3,999
Program Overview: SMC’s online program is for aspiring clinical and administrative MAs who want to start their training anytime. The curriculum covers key topics, such as Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Diagnostic Imaging, to name a few. Courses in Medical Terminology and Electronic Health Records may be added on as well. Upon course completion, students may get their CCMA certification exam.
Southern California Regional Occupation Center
Location: Torrance, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Hours: 720
Clinical Internship Hours: 160
Tuition: n/a
Program Overview: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, SoCal ROC’s 2-semester certificate course is open to students with a high school diploma or GED. The curriculum teaches clinical skills such as venipuncture and basic lab procedures, as well as administrative skills such as appointment scheduling and patient record management.
University of California-Los Angeles Extension
Location: Los Angeles, California
Modality: On-campus
Coursework Units: 68
Clinical Internship Hours: 200
Tuition: $23,000 (may be reduced with scholarships or donor support)
Program Overview: UCLA’s MA program prepares students for the road ahead through comprehensive theoretical lectures and immersive externship experiences. Apart from having a high school diploma or GED, applicants need to take the HESI exam in order to be considered for admission. Those who finish the four-quarter program are considered eligible to sit in for the NCCT certification exam.