Launch Your Medical Assistant Career in Glendale, California

The Medical Assistant diploma program can be completed in just 9 months. Our accelerated curriculum is designed to prepare you for a career quickly while ensuring comprehensive training in both clinical and administrative duties. You’ll attend in-person classes twice per week at our North Hollywood campus, with additional online coursework that you can complete at your own pace. The program includes 8 core courses covering everything from anatomy and physiology to clinical procedures and medical office administration. You’ll conclude with a 150-hour externship in a real healthcare setting, giving you hands-on experience with the same equipment used by professionals. This efficient format allows you to balance your education with work and family responsibilities while gaining the skills employers are looking for.

No prior experience is necessary! Our program is designed for beginners who are passionate about healthcare and helping others. The only requirement is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, starting with the fundamentals. You’ll learn medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient preparation for exams, back-office clinical procedures, medication administration, and routine laboratory tests. Our experienced instructors guide you step-by-step, building your knowledge and confidence throughout the program. Many of our most successful graduates came to us with no medical background whatsoever. Whether you’re making a career change or entering the workforce for the first time, we provide the foundation you need to succeed in healthcare.

Upon successfully completing the program, you’ll earn a Medical Assistant Diploma from SOCHI. You’ll also be eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). This nationally recognized certification demonstrates your competency to employers and can significantly enhance your job prospects and earning potential. As part of your enrollment, you’ll receive a California Medical Assistants Association membership, providing ongoing professional development opportunities. The combination of your diploma, eligibility for national certification, and professional association membership gives you multiple credentials to strengthen your resume and stand out to employers in the competitive healthcare job market.

Yes, financial aid is available for those who qualify. We understand that investing in your education is a significant decision, which is why we offer various financial assistance options to make your training accessible. Our dedicated financial aid advisors will work with you one-on-one to explore all available options, including grants, loans, and flexible payment plans tailored to your individual circumstances. We’ll guide you through the application process and help you understand your eligibility. Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from pursuing your career goals. Contact our admissions office at (818) 980-8990 to schedule a consultation with a financial aid advisor who can discuss your specific situation and help you find the best solution for your educational investment.

Medical assistants enjoy diverse career opportunities across the healthcare industry. Graduates can find rewarding positions in ambulatory surgery centers, dental offices, home health care services, hospitals, insurance carriers, physician offices, and skilled nursing facilities. According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for medical assistants in California ranges from $46,653 to $55,536. The demand for medical assistants is growing, driven by healthcare awareness and technological advancements. Our comprehensive training prepares you for both clinical duties (taking vital signs, assisting with exams, administering medications, performing lab tests) and administrative responsibilities (scheduling, medical records, billing). Our career services team provides resume assistance, interview preparation, and job placement support to help you launch your new career successfully.

The 150-hour externship is a critical component of your training, providing real-world experience in actual healthcare settings. You’ll work alongside experienced medical professionals, applying the clinical and administrative skills you’ve learned in the classroom. During your externship, you’ll gain hands-on experience taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, assisting physicians during procedures, performing basic laboratory tests, and managing administrative tasks. You’ll use the same professional equipment found in medical offices and hospitals, giving you practical experience that employers value. The externship also helps you build your professional network and develop the soft skills and professionalism needed to excel in dynamic clinical environments. Many of our graduates receive job offers from their externship sites.