- Career College serving Los Angeles County
Prepare for a medical assistant career through hands-on clinical and administrative training at SOCHI’s North Hollywood campus. Complete the diploma program in approximately 9 months with hybrid coursework and a 150-hour externship.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Medical Assistant Diploma
North Hollywood, CA
Approx. 9 Months
Hybrid
150 Hours
Clinical + Administrative
For those who qualify
Student support
Our comprehensive program combines flexibility, hands-on training, and professional support to ensure your success in the medical field.
Combine interactive distance-learning coursework with in-person clinical skills training at SOCHI’s North Hollywood campus.
Practice medical assisting procedures in a lab environment while learning how to work safely, professionally and effectively with patients.
Complete supervised practical experience in a healthcare setting after successfully completing the classroom and laboratory portions of the program.
Prepare for the varied responsibilities of medical assisting by studying patient-care procedures as well as medical office administration.
Develop professionalism and career-readiness skills, with support that can include resume preparation, interview practice and job-search guidance.
Southern California Health Institute is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
After successfully completing the classroom and laboratory training, Medical Assistant students complete a 150-hour externship.
The externship gives students an opportunity to apply the clinical, administrative and professional skills developed during the program in a healthcare environment. This practical component helps bridge classroom learning and entry-level medical assisting work.
Medical assistants often support both patient-care activities and the day-to-day operation of a medical office. SOCHI’s curriculum develops competencies across both sides of the role.
The clinical portion of your training prepares you to work directly with patients. You will gain proficiency in:
The administrative side ensures you are valuable in the front office as well. You will learn:
The 900-clock-hour program combines theory, laboratory instruction and practical externship experience.
Build a foundation in medical assisting, professionalism and essential healthcare concepts.
Study human body systems, their functions and common diseases and conditions.
Learn core concepts related to medical insurance, claims and healthcare reimbursement.
Develop practical patient-care and clinical assisting skills through instruction and laboratory practice.
Learn administrative procedures used to support an efficient medical office.
Study medication concepts, patient education and safety procedures.
Complete 150 hours of supervised practical experience in a healthcare setting.
Medical assistants can support healthcare teams in a variety of outpatient and clinical environments. Depending on the employer and position, responsibilities may combine direct patient support with administrative duties.
Support providers and patients with clinical and administrative responsibilities in medical practices.
Assist with patient preparation, routine clinical procedures, records and office workflow.
Medical assistants may work in specialty healthcare practices where duties vary according to the clinical setting and employer.
Researching pay and career outlook? Visit SOCHI’s Medical Assistant Salary in California: 2026 Pay & Career Guide for salary information, Los Angeles-area pay data, and career outlook.
SOCHI’s Medical Assistant Diploma program combines clinical and administrative training with professional development and career preparation. Students build the technical knowledge, soft skills, and professionalism needed to function effectively as a member of a medical team in a clinical setting.
After successfully completing the classroom and laboratory portions of the program, students are required to complete a 150-hour externship, providing an opportunity to apply their training in a healthcare environment.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level Medical Assistant positions in healthcare settings such as medical offices, clinics, and other outpatient facilities.
Graduates are also eligible to sit for the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification examination administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Certification is separate from earning the SOCHI Medical Assistant Diploma and requires meeting the certifying organization’s requirements and successfully passing the applicable examination.
The program serves students from North Hollywood and the surrounding San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County communities, including those seeking a Medical Assistant program in Los Angeles.
Students looking for Medical Assistant training closer to their community can learn more through SOCHI’s dedicated service-area resources:
Everything you need to know about choosing the right medical assistant school and launching your healthcare career.
The Medical Assistant Diploma program is designed to be completed in approximately nine months and includes 900 clock hours of training, including a 150-hour externship.
The program uses a hybrid format. Theory is delivered primarily through interactive distance learning, while clinical skills training is completed in person in SOCHI’s labs.
Yes. After successfully completing classroom and laboratory training, students complete a 150-hour Medical Assistant externship in a healthcare setting.
The program is designed to teach the knowledge and skills required for entry-level medical assisting. Contact SOCHI Admissions for current admissions requirements and to determine your eligibility.
Students who successfully complete all program requirements earn a Medical Assistant Diploma from Southern California Health Institute.
Yes. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification examination administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Certification is separate from earning the SOCHI diploma and requires meeting NCCT requirements and successfully passing the applicable examination.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. SOCHI’s financial aid team can help eligible students understand available funding options.
SOCHI’s North Hollywood campus serves students from throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding Los Angeles County communities, including Burbank, Glendale, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Van Nuys, Universal City, Toluca Lake and Valley Village. Explore our service-area pages to learn more about Medical Assistant training for your community.
SOCHI provides career preparation and job-search support, including services such as resume development and interview preparation. Employment is not guaranteed.
Request information about admissions, program schedules, financial aid for those who qualify and upcoming start dates at SOCHI’s North Hollywood campus.
