Medical assistants work with doctors, other medical professionals, and patients to perform a variety of clinical and clerical duties.
If you have a passion for helping people, this may be the career for you.
Medical assistants are in demand, with the field expected to grow by 23% in California.
1 Fresno City College
About the School
Fresno City College was the first community college established in California, and the second in the nation.
They have the largest nursing program in the state, and one of the highest passing rates for the National Nursing License Examination.
Students who earn an associates degree can transfer their credits to a 4 year university.
Many students are eligible for the California Promise Grant.
In addition, the college offers scholarships, grants, and other services to make getting an education affordable and attainable.
Programs Offered
Fresno City College offers two medical assistant programs.
The first provides students with a medical assistant certificate.
This major consists of 20 units.
These include legal and ethical concepts, laboratory procedures, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, clinical training, and advanced training.
Students will also complete a work experience course to provide hands-on experience.
Students can also receive an associate of science degree as a medical assistant.
This program consists of 26 major credits.
In addition to the classes offered in the certificate course, students will complete classes in nutrition and medical technology.
Some courses are available in-person, online, or in a hybrid format.
Address: 1101 East University Ave, Fresno, CA 93741
2 San Joquain Valley College
About the School
San Joquain Valley College offers a variety of programs, including medical and dental, industrial and trades, and others including business administration and veterinary assistant.
They have 17 locations throughout California.
They focus on real world skills to prepare students for a career.
They offer qualified instructors and hands-on learning.
Certificates typically take 7 to 15 months to complete, so students can begin their career.
They offer career services, including resume building, interview preparation, and career fairs.
They partner with many local employees to help students find jobs after graduation.
Programs Offered
SVJC offers two medical assistant programs.
The first is a certificate program for medical assistants, the second is an associate degree as a medical assistant.
Students can obtain the certificate, and go on to get their associate’s degree.
The certificate can be completed in 9 months.
The associate’s degree program takes 15 months to complete.
Students will learn to draw blood, maintain patient records, take vital signs, prepare patients for exams, prepare patients for lab work, administer medications and injections, and prepare lab samples.
They will also learn front office skills, including scheduling appointments, enter patient information into medical records, and record patient history.
Once students have completed the program, they can take the National Certified Medical Assistant Exam.
SVJC is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), as well as the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Address: 295 East Sierra Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710
3 Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
About the School
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts specializes in healthcare education.
They focus on theory, as well as real world skills.
The college has a campus with 5 stand-alone buildings.
A green area and student lounge are also included.
The Medical Assistant lab features exam tables and the equipment needed for examination and diagnostic functions.
This includes EKG machines, phlebotomy chairs, and other equipment to provide hands on learning.
The career services department provides networking, job-search strategies, resume building, interview coaching, and job preparation so students can succeed after graduation.
Programs Offered
The medical assistant program takes 8 months to complete.
Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA-NHA) national exam, and the Certified EKG Technician (CET-NHA) national exam.
In addition to coursework, students will complete a 180 hour externship to prepare them for their career.
Address: 2121 South El Camino Real, Building B-200, San Mateo, CA 94403
4 UEI College
About the School
UEI College has been providing education for over 35 years.
Their aim is to provide people from all walks of life with an education that can help them start a new career quickly.
They offer programs in healthcare, trades, and other areas.
The school combines academic instruction with hands on training, which includes labs and externships, to ensure that students are well-prepared for their chosen career.
Programs Offered
The medical assistant program at UEI college uses a hybrid learning model.
Students will have online classes, as well as in-person classes and hands on labs.
Students can choose from day or evening classes, which offers flexibility.
The program can be completed in 10 months.
Students will also complete an externship to provide real world experience.
Once they complete the program, students are eligible to take certification exams.
These include Nationally Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant, and Registered Medical Assistant.
Address: 3602 N. Blackstone Ave. Suite 0268 Fresno, CA 93726
5 Cal Regional
About the School
Cal Regional is designed for adults who want to begin a new career quickly.
Some programs can be completed in as little as 3 weeks.
Programs include phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, and emergency medical technician.
Programs Offered
Cal Regionals program takes only 8 weeks to complete.
They use a hybrid model of learning.
Students will complete lectures and class work online, which is 50% of the course.
The other portion is hands on labs, which make up the other 50% of the course.
Students can choose from day or evening classes.
After completing the program, students can take the clinical Medical Assistant Certification through the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA).
Students from Cal Regional have a passing rate of 90%, which is 26% higher than average.
Address: 1020 N St, Sanger, CA 93657
Schools Summary Table
Rank | School | |
---|---|---|
#1 | Fresno City College | |
#2 | San Joquain Valley College | |
#3 | Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | |
#4 | UEI College | |
#5 | Cal Regional |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Assistant