Find Phlebotomy Technician and EKG Technician training at BAMA Institute

Are You Eligible For Our Free Medical Assisting With Phlebotomy & EKG Program For SF Residents? CLICK HERE.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in California

A Professor instructs two students to become a medical assistant in California is a great way to quickly embark on a rewarding and highly sought-after career in the healthcare field.

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

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

Clinical

General

Administrative

Clinical training makes up the majority of most programs. Though students can be anxious about some tasks, by the time they’ve completed their program, they will feel like seasoned experts.

All medical assistants need a strong foundation in pathology, anatomy, clinical and diagnostic procedures, and medical terminology. You will also need instruction on medical laws and ethics. 

Students need to learn the basics of medical billing and coding. They will need to use various computer software applications in ordering lab work, taking notes, and recording patient interactions.

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: 

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.

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the US, and you can be a part of it!

Our career-oriented program gives you hands-on, real-world training and ongoing support for your long-term goals.

For more information on BAMA's medical assisting and phlebotomy degree programs, contact us today!

BAMA: The Bay Area's best career-oriented healthcare traning

Get your healthcare career training started today.
Call admissions on 415-943-2028.

© 2024 Bay Area Medical Academy. All Rights Reserved. Website by WindsAndWater