Best Medical Assistant Programs in Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, California

Around Watsonville and nearby suburbs, medical assistants keep clinics moving—coordinating referrals and prior authorizations, managing scheduling and front‑desk support, and recording histories and updating EHRs. Local training blends hands‑on labs with supervised externships across local hospital outpatient departments, specialty clinics and multi‑specialty groups so you can contribute with confidence from day one.

Below, you can compare certificate, diploma, and associate tracks near Watsonville, build externship experience across neighborhood clinics in Watsonville, and prepare for credentials like CMA, RMA, or CCMA — with context on statewide demand in the Golden State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Watsonville, California:

Medical Assistant Training near Watsonville

#1

CET-Watsonville

Watsonville, CA 0.9 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

#2

Cabrillo College

Aptos, CA 9.8 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

#3

Gavilan College

Gilroy, CA 11.7 miles away

Located in Gilroy, CA Gavilan College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Beauty Cosmetology, and Accounting Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

CET-Salinas

Salinas, CA 16.1 miles away

Located in Salinas, CA CET-Salinas is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Construction Trades, HVAC Technician, and Massage Therapist.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Central Coast College

Salinas, CA 16.2 miles away

Located in Salinas, CA Central Coast College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

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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