Medical Assistant
DISCLAIMER: The Health Professions Advising Center does not provide medical assistant certification or direct employment placement. This page serves as a informational resource for students.
Medical Assistants (MAs) are essential members of healthcare teams who provide both clinical and administrative support in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, and specialty care centers.
Their responsibilities include assisting with patient intake, taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, administering medications or injections under supervision, performing basic laboratory tests, and supporting patient comfort and education.
Becoming a Medical Assistant is an excellent way to gain hands-on clinical experience, develop professional healthcare skills, and prepare for advanced healthcare programs such as BSN, ELMSN, PA, or other allied health careers. Medical Assistants play a key role in patient care and contribute to positive health outcomes across diverse patient populations.
General Information
Medical Assistant programs are typically several months long , depending on the school and schedule (full-time or part-time).
Most programs do not require college-level prerequisites. Common requirements include being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, completing required immunizations, and obtaining CPR certification.
After completing an approved training program, students may need to pass a certification exam (such as CMA or RMA) to become certified. Many students pursue Medical Assistant training as a pathway to nursing, physician assistant, or other healthcare careers, as it provides hands-on patient care experience and exposure to clinical settings.
How To Become a Medial Assistant
Degree/Certification: Medical Assistant certificates or diplomas must be offered by state-approved programs. These training programs are commonly available through community colleges, vocational schools, healthcare organizations, or clinics (this option varies, allowing students to gain practical experience while completing their training).
- Time: Training programs typically take several months, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment, and include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
- Prerequisites: High School diploma/GED Certificate
- Pre-Certification requirements:
- Training Hours (state-mandated)
- 50 hours of classroom training
- 100 hours of supervision under a Licensed Practitioner Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
- Seven hours of HIV/AIDS training
- Competency Exam
Accredited MA Programs
Here we have linked MA programs that are accredited in each state. Please visit the CAAHEP to review an accredited program near you.
CSUSB does offer a Medical Assistant-related certificate program through College of Extended and Global Education — Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) called Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Contact PACE for more information!