Best Medical Assistant Programs in San Marcos, 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 San Marcos, California

Around San Marcos and nearby suburbs, medical assistants keep clinics moving—managing scheduling and front‑desk support, tracking labs and imaging follow‑ups, and greeting and rooming patients. Hands‑on tracks mix simulation labs with coordinated externships across local primary care and family medicine, GI, dermatology, and ENT practices so your first day feels like your next step, not your first.

This page helps you find classroom and hybrid programs around San Marcos, align your externship with local employers across San Marcos, and get ready for AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA — with context on statewide demand in the Golden State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving San Marcos, California:

Medical Assistant Training near San Marcos

#1

Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA 0.8 miles away

Located in San Marcos, CA Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Medical Office Assistant. The campus serves roughly 630 learners.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA 0.9 miles away

Located in San Marcos, CA California State University-San Marcos is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Cybersecurity, Information Technology Systems, and Medical Assistant.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Palomar College

San Marcos, CA 1.2 miles away

Located in San Marcos, CA Palomar 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 16,167 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,354
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,650
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Escondido Adult School

Escondido, CA 5 miles away

Located in Escondido, CA Escondido Adult School is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The campus serves roughly 195 learners.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

MiraCosta College

Oceanside, CA 8.1 miles away

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

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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