Medical Assistant – Administrative & Clinical
Train for a Career in Medical Assisting and Create a More Fulfilling Future
Medical Assistant Training in San Diego
Take Control of Your Future with Healthcare Education at Summit College El Cajon
You’ve likely encountered quite a few medical assistants in doctors’ offices and clinics over the years; they are an essential part of any healthcare team. Medical assistants are trained to provide dual support, performing both administrative and clinical duties, which makes them the ultimate team player. And with careers in the healthcare industry projected to grow by almost 9% through 2034, we’re primed to see a major rise in job openings for trained medical assistants.
What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
The exact duties of a medical assistant vary from job to job and state to state. Your daily tasks may include:
- Interviewing patients and recording their medical history and information, including vital signs and test results
- Measuring vital signs, including blood pressure and weight
- Helping physicians with patient examinations and administering injections and medications as directed
- Collecting and preparing samples of blood and other laboratory specimens
- Scheduling patient appointments, sending follow-up reminders, and maintaining medical and office supply inventory
The Medical Board of California has a detailed breakdown on what medical assistants can and cannot do in the state. As it says on that site, receiving approved training allows you to perform a lot more clinical tasks, like simple injections, finger sticks, and throat swabs. This is why Summit College El Cajon prioritizes hands-on training. We understand that the best way to really learn is by doing.
What Will I Learn in a Medical Assistant Program?
The 36-week Medical Assistant – Administrative and Clinical diploma program at Summit College El Cajon is designed to teach you the essential knowledge and core skills you need to qualify to work as an entry-level medical assistant in a variety of healthcare settings.
What will course instruction look like?
Each one of our Medical Assistant courses utilizes a combination of classroom theory and lab work, all under the supervision of our licensed instructors who bring their own real-world experience to the program. Lecture hours will include faculty instruction, but also classroom activities and assessments, while the lab hours are aimed specifically at giving you hands-on practice with industry-related skills.
The goal is to build on foundational knowledge with practical exercises that ready you for today’s healthcare job market.
Is Career Training Right for You?
Take the Summit College Career Training Readiness Quiz
The fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete, and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
What medical assisting classes will I take?
Summit’s Medical Assistant – Administrative and Clinical curriculum includes the following courses:
- OB/GYN, Reproductive System & Pediatrics
- The Medical Assistant/Ethics & The Law
- Cardiovascular/ECG
- Infection Control/Minor Surgery
- Musculoskeletal System/Skin
- Basic Pharmacology/Nutrition
- Gerontology/Vital Signs & CPE
- Emergency Procedures/CPR
- Medical Insurance Billing & coding/EHR
- Medical Assisting as a Professional/EMR
How important is on-the-job experience with Medical Assistant training?
At Summit College El Cajon, we consider it to be extremely important, which is why we have integrated a 4-week, 160-hour externship into our program. We work with hospitals, doctors’ offices, medical clinics and other clinical sites around El Cajon and the San Diego area as part of our placement services. Externships are also valuable tools for making professional connections and can lead to full-time employment once you’ve completed your program.
What Is the Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in California?
As we mentioned at the start, the healthcare industry as a whole is poised for fast growth, and within the allied health field, medical assistants are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor, medical assistant jobs in California are projected to grow 26% through 2032, with nearly 20,000 job openings on average annually.
Where can medical assistants work?
Graduates of Medical Assistant – Administrative and Clinical program can seek employment in healthcare facilities throughout the San Diego area, including:
- Hospitals
- Doctors’ offices
- Nursing homes
- Urgent care clinics
- Clinical labs
- Residential care facilities
- Med spas
- And more
What jobs can I get with a Medical Assistant diploma?
Here are just some of the career possibilities:
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Secretary
- Medical Office Assistant
- Medical Office Specialist
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Doctor’s Assistant
- Clinic Office Assistant
- Medical Receptionist
- Physician Office Specialist
- Unit or Ward Clerk
El Cajon Campus
At Summit College El Cajon, you’ll have access to ample classrooms equipped with audiovisual technology, labs outfitted with updated equipment and instruments, computer labs, handicap-accessible restroom facilities, and a student lounge. Parking is provided to students at no charge.
Address and Location
Medical Assistant Campus Address (MA Program)
124 W. Main Street, Suite 200
El Cajon, CA 92020
Located at the northwest corner of W. Main Street and Magnolia Ave., just south of I-8 and a 10-minute ride from El Cajon Station on the 815 bus
Phone Number and Hours
General Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday
Phone Number: 888.504.2552
Why Should You Choose Summit College El Cajon?
You can have both future job prospects and the fulfilling career you dream of, and it starts with getting the training and skills you’ll need to join the dedicated healthcare heroes out there making a difference every day. That’s where Summit College comes in. Summit has been helping students get the training and skills they need to pursue successful careers in medical assisting since 1991. We do it with the philosophy that we’re in this together with each and every student — and that means providing support and encouragement — every step of the way.
- Professional faculty focused on your success: Your instructors have all done the job you’re training for and use their experience to prepare you for real-world situations. You’ll develop critical administrative and clinical skills through hands-on learning and will benefit from small class sizes.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Learn about phlebotomy and lab procedures, computer operations, body system functions, tool sterilization, EKGs, insurance claim processing and basic office procedures.
- Flexible, short-term programs: We understand and value your time. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling, with day, evening, and weekend options, and programs that can get you career-ready in under a year.
Ready for What’s Next?
Your Path to Success Starts Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Become a Medical Assistant in California?
To be a working medical assistant in the El Cajon and San Diego area, you’ll need to enroll in a training program at an accredited school that can prepare you with the skills that employers are looking for.
Summit College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), licensed to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), and approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Do I Need a Degree to be a Medical Assistant?
No, a degree is not required in order to work as a medical assistant. Through most programs, you will earn either a certificate or a diploma upon successfully completing the coursework.
What Kinds of Certifications or Licenses Do I Need to Be a Medical Assistant?
There is no official licensure requirement to be hired as a medical assistant in California. Instead, the Medical Board of California and the California Code of Regulations have set requirements for the kind of supervised training medical assistants need in order to perform certain clinical tasks.
Training shall include no less than:
- 10 clock hours of training in administering injections and performing skin tests
- 10 hours of training in venipuncture and skin puncture for the purpose of withdrawing blood
- At least 10 each of intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal injections; 10 skin tests; and/or at least 10 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures
- 10 hours of training in administering medical by inhalation
Training in the above shall include instruction and demonstration in:
- Pertinent anatomy and physiology appropriate to the procedures
- Choice of equipment
- Proper technique including sterile technique
- Hazards and complications
- Patient care following treatment or tests
- Emergency procedures
- California law and regulations for medical assistants
Important Note: To be considered a “qualified medical assistant” according to the California Code of Regulations, you do need to be certified as a medical assistant by one of the certifying organizations approved by the Medical Board of California.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?
Depending on the curriculum, medical assisting training can take up to 1 to 2 years, but many accredited programs can get you industry-ready in less time than that. The Medical Assistant – Administrative and Clinical program at Summit College El Cajon can be completed in just 36 weeks.
How Much Does Medical Assistant School Cost?
This is difficult to pin down to one number as it depends on the type of institution you attend, the length of the program, the cost per credit hour, etc. As opposed to traditional colleges, which can cost upwards of $40,000 per year, the entirety of a short-term program like those at Summit College El Cajon can cost less than half that number. Summit College also has access to a number of financial aid options to support our students.
