Best Medical Assistant Programs in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest, California

Across Greater Lake Forest, medical assistants keep clinics moving—greeting and rooming patients, tracking labs and imaging follow‑ups, and managing scheduling and front‑desk support. Nearby programs combine simulation labs with coordinated externships across local pediatrics and women’s health practices, primary care and family medicine so you graduate ready for day‑one impact.

Use the resources here to find classroom and hybrid programs around Lake Forest, map out externships across Lake Forest clinics and regional health systems, and prep for certification (CMA/CCMA) — and see wages and job outlook across the Golden State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Lake Forest, California:

Medical Assistant Training near Lake Forest

#1

Irvine Valley College

Irvine, CA 6.3 miles away

Located in Irvine, CA Irvine Valley College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology. The campus serves roughly 9,577 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,156
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,996
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, CA 7.8 miles away

Located in Mission Viejo, CA Saddleback College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Beauty Cosmetology. The campus serves roughly 15,959 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,432
  • Out-of-state tuition: $13,732
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

American College of Healthcare and Technology-Santa Ana

Santa Ana, CA 11.9 miles away

Located in Santa Ana, CA American College of Healthcare and Technology-Santa Ana is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Medical Assistant.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, CA 13.8 miles away

Located in Costa Mesa, CA Orange Coast College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Accounting Technology, and Bookkeeper.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA 14.2 miles away

Located in Santa Ana, CA Santa Ana College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology. The campus serves roughly 22,011 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,180
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,460
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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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

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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