Best Medical Assistant Programs in Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara, California

In and around Santa Clara, medical assistants keep clinics moving—greeting and rooming patients, coordinating referrals and prior authorizations, and performing EKGs and basic phlebotomy. Local training blends hands‑on labs with supervised externships across local orthopedics and cardiology offices, urgent care centers so your first day feels like your next step, not your first.

This page helps you find classroom and hybrid programs around Santa Clara, build externship experience across neighborhood clinics in Santa Clara, and get ready for AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA — and understand demand across the Golden State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Santa Clara, California:

Medical Assistant Training near Santa Clara

#1

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

San Jose, CA 2.8 miles away

Located in San Jose, CA Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts 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
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

San Jose City College

San Jose, CA 4.1 miles away

Located in San Jose, CA San Jose City College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Beauty Cosmetology, Accounting Technology, and Bookkeeper.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

CET-San Jose

San Jose, CA 5.3 miles away

Located in San Jose, CA CET-San Jose is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Computer Support Specialist.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

De Anza College

Cupertino, CA 5.3 miles away

Located in Cupertino, CA De Anza College 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

#5

West Valley College

Saratoga, CA 7.3 miles away

Located in Saratoga, CA West Valley 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

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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