Best Medical Assistant Programs in Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest, California

Across Greater Ridgecrest, medical assistants keep clinics moving—performing EKGs and basic phlebotomy, taking vitals and blood pressure, and tracking labs and imaging follow‑ups. Programs here pair practical labs with on‑site externships across local orthopedics and cardiology offices, primary care and family medicine so you can contribute with confidence from day one.

Use this guide to compare certificate, diploma, and associate tracks near Ridgecrest, align your externship with local employers across Ridgecrest, and get ready for AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA — and understand demand across the Golden State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Ridgecrest, California:

Medical Assistant Training near Ridgecrest

#1

Cerro Coso Community College

Ridgecrest, CA 3.6 miles away

Located in Ridgecrest, CA Cerro Coso Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Technology, and Emergency Medical Technician.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Barstow Community College

Barstow, CA 63.7 miles away

Located in Barstow, CA Barstow Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Beauty Cosmetology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

University of Antelope Valley

Lancaster, CA 70.7 miles away

Located in Lancaster, CA University of Antelope Valley is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Technician, and Paramedic.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

High Desert Medical College

Lancaster, CA 71.4 miles away

Located in Lancaster, CA High Desert Medical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dental Assistant, and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Career Care Institute

Lancaster, CA 71.5 miles away

Located in Lancaster, CA Career Care Institute is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Dental Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Practical Nursing (LPN).

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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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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