Online Medical Assistant Programs in California: Top Schools

An Inside Look: Online Medical Assistant Programs in CA

California medical assistant programs are available at different educational levels, allowing students to choose a path based on their career goals and time commitments. Certificate and diploma programs, typically completed quickly in 9–12 months, focus on essential administrative and clinical skills. Associate degree programs — which often take around two years to complete — provide a broader curriculum, which can be helpful for career advancement or further studies. Some accelerated medical assistant programs can be completed in as little as six weeks!

The best part about becoming a medical assistant is that you don’t necessarily need hands-on training like nurses or other clinical aids. Online programs are increasingly popular, allowing students to complete coursework through virtual classrooms, video lectures, and digital resources. Due to the hands-on nature of medical assisting, many programs include a hybrid format where students complete hands-on training like labs and clinical externships in person. Accreditation matters when selecting a program to ensure quality education and eligibility for certifications like the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). California-specific programs often meet state guidelines while preparing students for national certifications.

Below are three standout programs to help you compare timelines, learning formats, outcomes, and curriculum between online medical assistant programs in California.

Medical Assisting FAQs from California Students

After reviewing your options, are you still considering becoming a medical assistant in California? It’s natural to have follow-up questions about training, certification options, career paths, and what to expect after graduation. Rest assured, these are common concerns for many students. Below, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions to help you get started.

Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in CA?

Yes, there are plenty of gift-based scholarships and financial aid options available. Many of these grants come from private organizations, such as corporations and nonprofits. Others come from the state of California, such as the Cal Grant. Then there are the schools themselves, like MiraCosta College, which offers scholarships to eligible students. You can also complete the FAFSA to qualify for federal financial aid.

Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for California medical assistants?

California’s most prominent professional organization for medical assistants is the California Society of Medical Assistants. This state affiliate of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers networking and continuing education opportunities to medical assistants in all phases of their careers.

Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?

It depends on the school. Some California schools, like MiraCosta College, require applicants to complete introductory medical terminology and biology courses. In contrast, others, like that at CSULB, do not require students to complete any prerequisites before admission or enrollment.

Admission requirements vary by school and program. At a minimum, you should expect to submit an online application and provide official copies of your high school transcript or comparable credentials. Additional requirements will depend on the school. For instance, the Bay Area Medical Academy requires applicants to pass an English test and complete an interview. In contrast, Gurnick Academy requires applicants to submit an essay about why they want to become a medical assistant and the qualities that will help them succeed in the program.

How much should I expect to pay for my program?

The exact cost of your online medical assistant program will depend on several variables, including the type of school (public or private) and program type (certificate/diploma or associate degree). Programs that provide graduates with a certificate or diploma are shorter and generally more affordable — you can expect to pay a few thousand dollars in tuition and fees for these programs. Online medical assistant programs in California that culminate in an associate degree are often more expensive overall, as they typically take two to three times longer.

What does an online medical assistant curriculum in California cover?

Most online medical assistant classes in California offer similar curricula to prepare students to pass certification exams and gain skills and knowledge that the typical California healthcare employer expects new hires to possess. As such, you should expect to learn the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology, medication delivery, dosage calculation, healthcare ethics and legal requirements, billing, insurance processing, medical terminology, and office administration.

Today’s Top Online Medical Assistant Programs in California Ranked

Rankings provide a trusted guide to help you find the best online programs for your needs. EduMed’s rankings are based on key data points like the number of online programs, affordability, and student outcomes. Schools are evaluated using the latest Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data and a proprietary weighting system. View the About the Rankings pop-up to learn more about how these rankings are calculated.

CA Certifications and Continuing Education for MAs

Medical assistants in California are not required to hold a certification to work, but employers highly value certification. To become a certified medical assistant, you must graduate from an accredited program, which boosts your job prospects and ensures eligibility for certification exams. Most programs require completing a clinical externship with 160–180 hours of hands-on training, often arranged through statewide partnerships.

Popular certifications include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA and the California Certified Medical Assistant (CACMA) from CCBMA. California also recognizes several Medical Board-approved certifying organizations, such as American Medical Technologists (AMT) and Multiskilled Medical Certification Institute (MMCI).

Once certified, many organizations require license renewals, often involving continuing education. For example, AAMA and CCBMA mandate 60 continuing education units. To grow your career, consider a specialization or explore teaching opportunities as a qualified medical assistant through additional state-approved certifications.

Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in California

As the third-largest state in the nation (trailing Alaska and Texas), California is home to numerous medical facilities and providers. That’s why it’s a hotbed of job opportunities for anyone in allied health, including medical assistants. The national job outlook for the position is 13.8%, but in California, that number jumps to 25.6%. This means an average of 18,280 openings each year across the state, providing excellent opportunities for medical assistants to launch their careers.

When it comes to income, medical assistants can expect a median annual income of $46,690, with the 10th percentile earning $36,600 and the top 90th percentile earning $72,940. However, some areas of California offer higher pay than others. For example, those who work in Sacramento can expect a median wage of $59,520, while those in San Jose could see $60,500. The highest-paying area is Vallejo-Fairfield, where the median wage is $74,750. Read the charts below to learn more about where medical assistants can find great pay in California.