Best Medical Assistant Programs in Santa Cruz, California (2025)

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

Medical Assistant Programs in Santa Cruz, California

From downtown Santa Cruz to surrounding neighborhoods, medical assistants keep clinics moving—greeting and rooming patients, prepping exam rooms and sterilizing instruments, and performing EKGs and basic phlebotomy. Hands‑on tracks mix practical labs with on‑site externships across local pediatrics and women’s health practices, specialty clinics and multi‑specialty groups so you’re job‑ready on day one.

Use the resources here to find classroom and hybrid programs around Santa Cruz, align your externship with local employers across Santa Cruz, and prep for certification (CMA/CCMA) — and explore opportunities across the Golden State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Santa Cruz, California:


Medical Assistant Training near Santa Cruz

#1

Cabrillo College

Aptos, CA 6.1 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

CET-Watsonville

Watsonville, CA 15.1 miles away

Located in Watsonville, CA CET-Watsonville is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Construction Trades, Heavy and Highway Construction, and Medical Assistant.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

West Valley College

Saratoga, CA 19.7 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
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

De Anza College

Cupertino, CA 23.4 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
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Carrington College-San Jose

San Jose, CA 23.4 miles away

Located in San Jose, CA Carrington College-San Jose is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Corrections, Dental Assistant, and Dental Hygiene.

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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