Best Medical Assistant Programs in Santa Maria, 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 Maria, California

Around Santa Maria and nearby suburbs, medical assistants keep clinics moving—recording histories and updating EHRs, administering injections under supervision, and taking vitals and blood pressure. Programs here pair hands‑on labs with supervised externships across local urgent care centers, specialty clinics and multi‑specialty groups so you can contribute with confidence from day one.

Use the resources here to line up accelerated or flexible options in Santa Maria, plan an externship with clinics, hospital affiliates, and private practices around Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, California:

Medical Assistant Training near Santa Maria

#1

CET-Santa Maria

Santa Maria, CA 0.7 miles away

Located in Santa Maria, CA CET-Santa Maria is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Construction Trades, Heavy and Highway Construction, and HVAC Technician.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria

Santa Maria, CA 0.8 miles away

Located in Santa Maria, CA San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Corrections, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Practical Nursing (LPN).

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Allan Hancock College

Santa Maria, CA 1.3 miles away

Located in Santa Maria, CA Allan Hancock College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Central California School of Continuing Education

San Luis Obispo, CA 25.5 miles away

Located in San Luis Obispo, CA Central California School of Continuing Education is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Radiologic Technologist.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

San Joaquin Valley College-Atascadero

Atascadero, CA 39 miles away

Located in Atascadero, CA San Joaquin Valley College-Atascadero is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Medical Assistant.

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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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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