Best Medical Assistant Programs in Cathedral City, California (2025)

Updated October 28, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

California Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot

California
California Median Pay $48,050 $23.10 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $44,200 $21.25 per hour
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Medical Assistant Programs in Cathedral City, California

Around Cathedral City and nearby suburbs, medical assistants keep clinics moving—administering injections under supervision, tracking labs and imaging follow‑ups, and assisting with in‑office procedures. Programs here pair simulation labs with coordinated externships across local orthopedics and cardiology offices, specialty clinics and multi‑specialty groups so you can contribute with confidence from day one.

Use this guide to find classroom and hybrid programs around Cathedral City, map out externships across Cathedral City clinics and regional health systems, and prepare for credentials like CMA, RMA, or CCMA — and understand demand across the Golden State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Cathedral City, California:

Medical Assistant Training near Cathedral City

#1

Mayfield College

Cathedral City, CA 3.8 miles away

Located in Cathedral City, CA Mayfield College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include HVAC Technician, HVAC Technician, and Heating and Air Conditioning Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage

Rancho Mirage, CA 5.3 miles away

Located in Rancho Mirage, CA San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Electrical Systems Installation, Electrical Technology, and Electrician.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

College of the Desert

Palm Desert, CA 6.9 miles away

Located in Palm Desert, CA College of the Desert is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Milan Institute-Palm Desert

Palm Desert, CA 8.8 miles away

Located in Palm Desert, CA Milan Institute-Palm Desert is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Barbering, Beauty Cosmetology, and Cosmetologist.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
  • 75-030 Gerald Ford Drive, Suite 203 Palm Desert, CA 92211
  • (760) 469-4545

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Mt San Jacinto Community College District

San Jacinto, CA 29.3 miles away

Located in San Jacinto, CA Mt San Jacinto Community College District is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Certification & Exams in California

  1. Complete an accredited medical assistant certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.
  2. Finish your clinical externship hours and build confidence with front- and back-office skills.
  3. Sit for credentials like AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA based on employer preferences.

Tips for Choosing a Medical Assistant Program

  • Confirm the school is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited if you plan to earn the CMA credential.
  • Ask about lab simulations, EHR training, and how externship placements are coordinated.
  • Compare day, evening, and accelerated schedules that fit your work and family commitments.
  • Review certification exam pass rates, job placement support, and employer partnerships.

California Medical Assistant Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Medical Assistants (31-9092)
Data Year: 2024 • California

Median Pay (2024) $48,050 $23.10 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$52,770 per year $25.37 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $37,610

$18.08 per hour

25th Percentile $43,400

$20.87 per hour

75th Percentile $60,700

$29.18 per hour

90th Percentile $75,180

$36.15 per hour

California vs U.S.

Median Wage +8.7%
$48,050

$23.10 per hour

Mean Wage +18.0%
$52,770

$25.37 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 110,350

Employment: 110,350 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
6.11
Employment RSE
3.1%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
110,350 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

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