The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro employs roughly 34,570 medical assistants, according to 2024 BLS data, with a median wage near $46,000. Training to enter that workforce ranges from community college certificates under $3,500 to private career school programs topping $20,000, with completion times spanning 6 months to about a year.
California does not license medical assistants, but employers across Kaiser, Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, and Providence increasingly prefer graduates of accredited programs with a national certification. That preference is quietly reshaping which programs pay off.
Jump straight to the program list.
The Los Angeles Medical Assistant Job Market: Employers, Demand, and Scope of Practice
Hiring for medical assistants across LA has shifted toward flexible staffing models, with float pools and per-diem roles now sitting alongside traditional clinic openings. That change reflects how large systems are trying to keep pace with outpatient volume without over-committing to fixed schedules.
Who's Hiring Right Now
Two systems dominate the visible market. Kaiser Permanente is running roughly 60 medical assistant openings across LA in 2026, including bilingual roles and a specific posting at the 4760 Sunset Medical Offices.1 UCLA Health is close behind, with about 60 statewide2 and 27 concentrated near LA, spanning Westside Primary Care, Westwood Oncology, Hollywood, Porter Ranch, an ambulatory float team, and per-diem coverage at Gonda Vascular.
Beyond these two, Cedars-Sinai, Providence, PIH Health, Keck Medicine of USC, and community clinic networks like AltaMed and QueensCare consistently recruit medical assistants across the county, though posting volumes vary week to week. Wages in recent postings cluster from about $29.46 to $41.22 per hour depending on experience level and specialty.32
What You Can Legally Do in California
California medical assistants perform patient care, administrative, clerical, and technical support tasks under the supervision of a licensed physician, podiatrist, or in some cases a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.3 Administering medications by injection, drawing blood, and performing skin tests are allowed only after specific documented training and direct supervision. Diagnosing, interpreting results, and independent triage remain outside your scope.
Employer Ties to Local Schools
Most LA employers require completion of an accredited medical assistant training program plus CMA, RMA, or CCMA certification.1 Several large systems partner directly with specific community colleges and career schools for externships and tuition assistance, which is worth weighing when you compare program costs later in this guide.
Online and Hybrid Medical Assistant Programs Serving Los Angeles Students
These online and hybrid medical assistant programs serve Los Angeles area students who prefer flexible remote coursework, often pairing online classes with local externship or clinical placement requirements. The list below is based on U.S. Department of Education data; for program length and accreditation details, see the separate sections in this guide.
| School | Program Name | Delivery Format | Degree Level | Net Price Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Career College-Los Angeles | Medical Assisting | Hybrid | Associates | $38,430 |
| American Career College-Anaheim | Medical Assisting | Hybrid | Associates | $38,430 |
| Platt College-Los Angeles | Medical Assisting | Hybrid | Associates | $27,551 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | UCLA Medical Assistant Program | Hybrid | Certificate or Diploma | $12,548 |
| California Career Institute | Medical Assistant Program | Hybrid | Certificate or Diploma | Not reported |
| California State University-Long Beach | Clinical Medical Assistant | Hybrid | Certificate or Diploma | $10,440 |
| Downey Adult School | Clinical Medical Assistant | Hybrid | Certificate or Diploma | $13,695 |
In-Person Medical Assistant Programs Within Commuting Distance of Los Angeles
Campus-based programs trade some online flexibility for structured lab time, direct instructor feedback, and classmates entering the same LA clinics and hospitals as you. If you are within commuting range, several campus options sit in Los Angeles or nearby cities including Pasadena, Long Beach, Culver City, and Norwalk.
- Pasadena City College offers an 11-month, CAAHEP-accredited certificate with full-time and part-time options, evening classes, and a reported 95% job placement rate.
- Long Beach City College runs a two-semester, WASC-accredited combined administrative/clinical program that starts each fall and accepts 40 students on a first-come, first-served basis.
- West Los Angeles College in Culver City has a one-year campus program with evening and Saturday classes plus hands-on clinical training.
- Cerritos College in Norwalk offers an Associate in Arts degree with full-time and part-time scheduling and clinical lab experience.
- Angeles College in Los Angeles covers administrative and clinical duties, lab procedures, and support for medical workers.
These campus-based programs are mostly community colleges, so they can be a lower-cost route than private career schools, but cohort sizes and start dates vary. Pasadena City College enrolls in fall and spring, while Long Beach City College starts once per year. If you work during the day, ask about evening, Saturday, or part-time sections before applying.
Medical Assistant Salary in Los Angeles: Median Wages and Outlook
BLS data for 2024 reports 34,570 medical assistants employed in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area, with a median annual wage of $46,000. The table below compares that metro-level estimate with several other California metros. These are occupational wages for the profession, not program graduate earnings; for program-level outcomes, see the ranked program section later in this article.
| Location | Total Employment | 25th Percentile | Median Annual Wage | 75th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 34,570 | $39,550 | $46,000 | $56,200 | $48,670 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 11,180 | $38,620 | $42,720 | $47,700 | $45,690 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 8,590 | $44,860 | $47,780 | $57,730 | $50,430 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 15,130 | $49,070 | $59,910 | $75,330 | $62,560 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 7,610 | $48,200 | $62,570 | $74,810 | $61,380 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 6,060 | $49,890 | $62,290 | $75,810 | $63,520 |
Los Angeles Medical Assistant Program Costs: Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
Program costs in Los Angeles range from under $3,500 for resident community college certificates to more than $20,000 at private career schools. For eligible students, financial aid may include FAFSA-based federal grants and loans, California state grant programs such as Cal Grant, institutional scholarships, and employer- or donor-supported tuition reductions. The UCLA Health Medical Assistant Program through UCLA Extension shows how donor support can lower student responsibility to $2,000 to $5,000.
| School/Program | Total Tuition & Fees | Est. Net Price After Aid | Financial Aid Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angeles College - Medical Assistant Program | $13,500 ($12,150 tuition + $50 registration + $1,300 books/equipment; STRF $0) | N/A | Federal Pell Grants and student loans may be available; private career college |
| LA Vocational Institute - Medical Assistant Program | $5,575 ($5,500 tuition + $75 registration fee) | N/A | Pathways for financial aid include options for veterans and international students; job referrals after graduation |
| American Career College - Los Angeles, Medical/Clinical Assistant Program | $19,535 total program cost ($18,660 tuition/fees + $875 books/supplies; 9-month program) | $26,420 average net price at institution level (2022; not program-specific) | Title IV eligible; federal aid, grants, and loans available at campus level |
| UCLA Extension - UCLA Health Medical Assistant Program | $23,000 estimated program tuition | As low as $2,000 for UCLA Health employees; as low as $5,000 for non-employees after donor support | Scholarships and donor support up to $21,000 for employees and up to $18,000 for non-employees |
| California Career Institute - Medical Assistant Program (Greater LA) | $17,215 tuition (2025 catalog; fees and supplies not detailed) | N/A | Federal Pell Grants and loans possible; institutional payment plans typical |
| National Career College (Panorama City) - Medical Assistant Program | $16,900 estimated total ($14,900 tuition + $1,550 materials/supplies + $375 books/uniforms + $75 registration) | N/A | Federal Pell Grants and loans may be available for 8-month program |
| Los Angeles-area community college medical assistant programs (range) | $782 to $3,128 resident tuition plus other fees; up to $46 per unit | N/A (varies by student aid eligibility) | Federal and state grants for eligible students; low resident tuition |
| Various private Los Angeles medical assistant campuses listed in sector directories | Examples include $11,000 per program, $18,390 per program, and $33,612 per year; certificate options $1,238 to $10,130 | N/A | Title IV participation typical; Pell Grants, federal loans, and institutional payment plans for many campuses |
How Long Is Medical Assistant School in Los Angeles? Completion Times and Externship Hours
Completion times vary widely across Los Angeles medical assistant programs. Accelerated certificate options can be as short as 6 to 9 months, while community college tracks may run about 12 months, and some programs describe duration in weeks, quarters, or total training hours rather than months. Externship and clinical hour requirements also range from 80 to 360 hours among programs that report them.
| School/Program | Typical Completion Time | Externship/Clinical Hours | Credential Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Career College, Medical Assistant Program (Los Angeles) | 9 months | 200 hours | Certificate/Diploma |
| Los Angeles Career College, Medical Assistant Program | 6 months | 360 hours | Certificate |
| National Career College, Medical Assistant Program (Los Angeles) | 8 months | 205 hours | Certificate/Diploma |
| Angeles College, Medical Assistant Program | 900 hours (not given in months) | 288 hours | Certificate |
| UCLA / Los Angeles Urban League, Medical Assistant Training Program | 4 academic quarters | 200 hours | Certificate |
| Propel America / Greater LAX Medical Assistant Pathway | A few months (accelerated) | 160 hours | Certificate (workforce training pathway) |
| Pulse Medical Assistant School, Los Angeles Campus | 16 weeks (4 months) | 80 hours | Certificate |
| East Los Angeles College, Medical Assistant Program | 8 weeks | N/A | Certificate |
| Los Angeles Valley College, Medical Assistant Program | 12 months | N/A | Certificate |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Ranked Medical Assistant Programs for Los Angeles Students
Below are the top medical assistant programs serving Los Angeles students. Use the cards to compare program formats, costs, and graduate outcomes before applying.
Angeles College
#1Los Angeles, CA · $29,000/yr (est. net price)
Best for: Flexible-start learners wanting monthly entry
Angeles College offers a hands-on Medical Assistant certificate program at its City of Industry campus. Students train in on-campus skill labs and complete both administrative and clinical coursework, preparing for entry-level roles in clinics, hospitals, and physician offices. The program uses rolling admission with monthly module starts, offering flexible entry points.
- Covers patient intake and medical records management
- Trains in on-campus skill labs
- Prepares for clinics, hospitals, and physician offices
- Rolling admission with monthly module starts
Pasadena City College
#2Pasadena, CA · under $5,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Evening students needing CAAHEP accreditation
Pasadena City College offers a CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting certificate with full-time and part-time pacing. The program includes evening classes, a 95% job placement rate, and preparation for the AAMA certification exam. Students train in state-of-the-art labs and gain skills in phlebotomy, EKGs, and medical billing.
- Full-time (11 months) and part-time (24 months) options
- Evening classes available for Spring enrollment
- 95% job placement rate
- Prepares for AAMA certification exam
- Covers phlebotomy, EKGs, lab procedures, and minor surgery assistance
- State-of-the-art lab training
- Focuses on administrative duties
- Includes medical billing and records management
- Certificate of Achievement
- Training in scheduling appointments and insurance claims
American Career College-Los Angeles
#3Los Angeles, CA · ~$32,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Weekend learners pursuing nine-month hybrid
American Career College-Los Angeles offers a nine-month hybrid Medical Assistant diploma program with weekend class options. Students complete a 200-hour clinical externship and train on professional equipment. Admissions require a high school diploma or GED and an entrance exam.
- Nine-month program length
- Hybrid format with two days weekly in-person
- Weekend class options available
- 200-hour clinical externship included
- Hands-on training with professional equipment
- High school diploma or GED required
- Entrance exam prerequisite
West Los Angeles College
#4Culver City, CA · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
West Los Angeles College offers a one-year Medical Assistant program with certificate and associate degree options. Classes meet part-time in the evenings and on Saturdays, making it accessible for working students. The program includes clinical externship hours and prepares graduates for the CCBMA certification exam.
- Program length one year
- Part-time evening and Saturday classes
- Certificate and degree options
- Hands-on clinical training
- Administrative and clinical skills
- Clinical externship hours
- Prepares for CCBMA certification exam
American Career College-Anaheim
#5Anaheim, CA · ~$31,000/yr (est.)
American Career College-Anaheim offers a nine-month hybrid Medical Assistant program with weekend and weekday schedules. The program includes a 200-hour clinical externship and is accredited by ABHES. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students.
- Nine-month program length
- Hybrid online and campus format
- 200-hour clinical externship
- Weekend class options
- Hands-on lab training
- Modern simulation equipment
- ABHES accredited
Cerritos College
#6Norwalk, CA · under $5,000/yr (est.)
Cerritos College offers an Associate in Arts in Medical Assisting requiring at least 60 units and a grade of C or better in coursework. The program includes an internship or work experience placement and prepares students for ambulatory care roles. A separate Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting is also available.
- Requires 60 units
- Full-time students finish in two semesters
- Grade of C or better required
- Includes A&P 120 and general education
- Internship or work experience placement
- Approximately $600 for books and equipment
- 29 total credit hours
- Includes internship or work experience
- Prepares for clinics, hospitals, insurance companies
- CPR and First Aid certification required
- Estimated $600 for books and equipment
Long Beach City College
#7Long Beach, CA · $2,000 – $13,000/yr (est.)
Long Beach City College offers Medical Assisting programs with combined, administrative, or clinical concentrations leading to an Associate in Science or Certificate of Achievement. The two-semester program starts only in the fall and accepts 40 students per cohort on a first-come, first-served basis. A high school diploma, GED, or HiSet is required for enrollment.
- Two-semester program starting in fall
- 40 students accepted per cohort
- High school diploma, GED, or HiSet required
- Associate in Science or Certificate of Achievement
- Covers both administrative and clinical duties
- Focuses on administrative tasks
- Includes scheduling appointments and maintaining records
- Billing and coding training
- Certificate of Achievement track
- Prepares for medical office roles
- Focuses on clinical tasks
- Learn vital signs and blood drawing
- Assist with patient examinations
- Certificate of Achievement track
- Prepares for clinical support roles
Platt College-Los Angeles
#8Alhambra, CA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr (est.)
Platt College-Los Angeles offers a 15-month hybrid Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting. The program includes clinical externships, certification exam tutoring, and first exam fee support. Students learn venipuncture, injections, and electrocardiography, and the program is accredited by ACCSC.
- 15-month program length
- Hybrid online and campus format
- Associate's Degree offered
- Financial aid available
- Clinical externships included
- Certification exam eligibility
- Free exam tutoring and first exam fee covered
- Accredited by ACCSC
University of California-Los Angeles
#9Los Angeles, CA · $13,000/yr (est. net price)
UCLA offers a four-quarter Medical Assistant certificate through UCLA Extension in partnership with UCLA Health. Students complete 68 units, a 200-hour internship, and graduate with a 100% NCCT NCMA exam pass rate and 90.8% job placement. The program is CAAHEP-accredited and includes tuition discounts for UCLA Health employees.
- Four-quarter program
- 68 units and 13 courses
- 200-hour clinical internship
- 100% NCCT NCMA exam pass rate
- 90.8% job placement rate
- CAAHEP accredited
- Partnership with UCLA Health
- Tuition discounts for UCLA Health employees
Downey Adult School
#10Downey, CA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
Downey Adult School offers a low-cost Clinical Medical Assistant program with 660 total hours including an externship. The program covers vital signs, injections, venipuncture, EKG, and prepares students for NCCT and California state certification exams. Day, evening, and hybrid options are available.
- 660 total hours including externship
- Covers vital signs, injections, venipuncture, and EKG
- Prepares for NCCT and California state certification
- Day and evening classes available
- Hybrid learning option
- $4,999 total program tuition including books
Employer-Sponsored and Earn-While-You-Learn Medical Assistant Pathways in LA
An earn-while-you-learn pathway is exactly what it sounds like: instead of paying tuition and studying full-time, you're hired by a healthcare employer, paid from day one, and trained on the job toward a national medical assistant credential. In Los Angeles, these programs are still rare, but a few concrete options exist in 2026.
Propel America Apprenticeship with CCALAC Health Centers
Propel America runs the most established employer-sponsored MA pathway in LA County, partnering with member health centers of the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC)2. The apprenticeship is tuition-free, paid from the start, and takes roughly 14 months to complete. Graduates earn the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential through the NHA and a Propel completion certificate.1
- Eligibility: Ages 18 to 24, high school diploma or GED, and U.S. work authorization. Applicants go through a prescreen, interviews, and a background check.
- Commitment: Full-time participation in all classroom and on-the-job components, with an expectation of one year of employment at the partner clinic after completion.
- Scale: Propel launched the LA cohort in Fall 2025 with 10 apprentices.3 LA2050 projections put enrollment at 65 fellows in 2025 and 110 in 2026, backed in part by a $400,000 California COYA apprenticeship grant.
Los Angeles Urban League with Cedars-Sinai
The LA Urban League offers medical assistant training in partnership with Cedars-Sinai. Whether it operates as a paid apprenticeship or a more traditional training-plus-externship model isn't publicly confirmed, so contact the Urban League directly to verify pay, hours, and post-training placement before you apply.
Outside these two, most LA-area MA training remains school-based rather than employer-sponsored.
Admission Requirements and Application Deadlines for LA Medical Assistant Programs
Use this checklist to compare admission requirements and deadlines across LA medical assistant programs.
- High school diploma or GEDMost programs require a high school diploma or equivalent; CareerTraining at LAPC does not list a degree prerequisite.
- Minimum ageAge 18 is standard, but American Career College accepts 18 or parental consent, and Los Angeles Medical Assistant Program allows age 17 with parent permission.
- Prerequisite skillsHealthcare Career College requires basic math and English proficiency or ESL intermediate low; most other programs do not require college-level coursework.
- Entrance examsUCLA Health requires the HESI, and National Career College requires a Scholastic Level Exam score of 12+; West Los Angeles College and NIU College report no entrance exam.
- Essay and interviewNational Career College requires an interview and tour; UCLA Health may ask for a personal statement, references, and an interview.
- Immunizations and background checksHealthcare Career College and West Los Angeles College require background clearance; West LA also lists a physical, drug screen, immunizations, CPR/BLS, and malpractice insurance.
- DeadlinesMost LA programs do not publish a single 2026 deadline; Angeles College uses rolling admission with monthly module starts.
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Medical Assistant Programs in Los Angeles: FAQ
Medical assistant training in Los Angeles brings practical questions about clinical hours and out-of-pocket costs. Here are direct answers based on current California requirements and published program cost sheets.
Can I become a medical assistant in Los Angeles with only an online certificate, or do I need campus-based clinical hours?
California does not require medical assistant certification by state law1, but clinical tasks such as injections and venipuncture require documented in-person supervised practice under Business and Professions Code sections 2069 and 20701. A purely online certificate alone qualifies you for administrative duties only. To compete for most clinical roles, choose an online medical assistant associate's degree program with a real, in-person externship or attend a campus-based program.
Beyond tuition, what should I budget for medical assistant exam fees, background checks, and uniforms in Los Angeles?
Budget for costs beyond tuition because they vary. Certification exam fees vary: the California Certified Medical Assistant exam is $2502, while some school-based exam fees are $125 to $17534. Background checks, fingerprinting, and compliance items often total roughly $100 to $225345. At West Los Angeles College, uniforms, shoes, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff total $2604, while Pasadena City College lists a $150 uniform fee3. Books can range from about $400 to $1,50034.
What certifications will I be eligible for after completing a Los Angeles medical assistant program?
Medical assistant programs commonly prepare you for national credentials such as CMA, RMA, or CCMA, and some students pursue the California Certified Medical Assistant credential2. California does not require certification to work as a medical assistant1, but most clinical employers prefer or expect one. Check your program's eligibility and exam fee before enrolling.
