Best Medical Assistant Programs in El Cerrito, 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 El Cerrito, California

Across Greater El Cerrito, medical assistants keep clinics moving—performing EKGs and basic phlebotomy, coordinating referrals and prior authorizations, and prepping exam rooms and sterilizing instruments. Hands‑on tracks mix practical labs with on‑site externships across local community health centers (FQHCs), specialty clinics and multi‑specialty groups so you’re job‑ready on day one.

Use this guide to review day, evening, and hybrid schedules near El Cerrito, plan an externship with clinics, hospital affiliates, and private practices around El Cerrito, and get ready for AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA — with insight for Californians.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving El Cerrito, California:

Medical Assistant Training near El Cerrito

#1

Contra Costa College

San Pablo, CA 3.9 miles away

Located in San Pablo, CA Contra Costa College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Berkeley City College

Berkeley, CA 3.9 miles away

Located in Berkeley, CA Berkeley City College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Computer Programming.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Bay Area Medical Academy

San Francisco, CA 10.6 miles away

Located in San Francisco, CA Bay Area Medical Academy is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Medical Assistant. The campus serves roughly 159 learners.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Merritt College

Oakland, CA 11.7 miles away

Located in Oakland, CA Merritt College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Corrections.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus

Pleasant Hill, CA 12.9 miles away

Located in Pleasant Hill, CA Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
  • 380 Civic Drive, Suite 300 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-1984
  • (925) 273-3922

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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