How to Become a Medical Assistant in California

While not mandated by the state, most healthcare employers prefer certification if you want to become a medical assistant (MA) in California. When MAs are certified, employers know they have the knowledge and skills to provide the best patient support. By exploring how to become a medical assistant in California, you can take the first step toward a brighter future.

.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in California in Five Steps 

Becoming a medical assistant in California is a great way to quickly embark on a rewarding and highly sought-after career in the healthcare field. With the need for medical assistants at an all-time high, medical assistant training at Bay Area Medical Academy can open up the door to exciting new opportunities in as little as nine months.

1. Interview and enrollment

The process for interviewing and enrollment will be unique for each program, but many involve the following key components: 

• Admissions interview 
• English assessment
• Transcripts 
  • Often two sealed official transcripts from your high school or GED
  • Foreign diploma or college degree – evaluated for US equivalency. 
• Financial Aid Opportunities
  • Some students qualify for BAMA’s Free* Medical Assisting Program

Once you complete the above and are admitted to your program, you will be ready to move into the classroom. 

2. Classroom study 

Most medical assistant training programs divide their education and training into three subcategories — clinical, general, and administrative

When you have finished your formal training, you will be prepared to take your certification exams and go on an externship.

3. Exams 

Now, steps three and four don’t necessarily go in this order when it comes to the National Certified Medical Assistant exam. While some students elect to take the exam before their medical assisting externship, it’s not required. In fact, some students find that it’s easier to pass the exam after they’ve gained practical experience from their externship. 

4. Externship 

Your clinical externship is an opportunity to work with an industry partner and gain real-world experience in a healthcare setting. You’ll work in a hospital, laboratory, or medical office, helping physicians, guiding patients through procedures, and performing venipunctures or skin punctures. Over the typically 200-hour placement, you will gain confidence and connections that will prepare you for the future.  

5. Graduation and Certifications 

After you finish your training and externship, you will be ready for graduation and job searching. This is an excellent time to make sure you have any additional certifications you might need for the most hiring flexibility and to secure the best pay in your new position. Some medical assistants seek additional certifications to allow them to work as EKG technicians or perform phlebotomy duties in their new roles as professional medical assistants.

How BAMA Helps You Embark on Your New Career 

BAMA’s 3-in-1 Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy Program includes three valuable medical certifications that will put you in high demand with California healthcare employers: 

• National Certified Medical Assistant: As a certified MA, you will enjoy more opportunities and better career longevity.
• Certified EKG Technician, CET: You can administer electrocardiograms and interpret results. 
• California Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-1) / National Certified Phlebotomy Tech: These allow you to perform all the duties of a phlebotomist in the state of California, including performing skin punctures and venipunctures on patients. 

While many schools offer the above five steps for how to become a medical assistant in California, not all have the dedication to help you find a healthcare job that’s the right fit for you. 

While we can’t guarantee employment, our Career Services are available to all graduates and provide lifetime job search support. We can also help you find the right employment opportunities to put your new skills to use. We provide job referrals and leads, interview workshops, resume writing assistance, and even employer on-campus days for meeting potential employers face to face. 

If you’re looking to start your career as a medical assistant, BAMA is here to guide you every step of the way. By the end of our training program, you’ll be a confident medical assistant with the skills to make you an asset to any healthcare facility.  

BAMA provides the best path for how to become a medical assistant in California. To learn more about our programs and enrollment process, contact us.