Medical Assistant – Administrative & Clinical
Create a More Fulfilling Future with Medical Assisting Training in San Bernardino
Inland Empire-Area Medical Assistant Training
Take Control of Your Future with Hands-on Healthcare Education
Medical assistants have long been a vital and essential part of our healthcare system, with the skills and training to provide multiple levels of support, including both administrative and clinical duties. They are present in doctors’ offices and clinics all over the country, working with patients, physicians, and nurses alike, and the need for them is only growing. Careers in the healthcare industry in the U.S. are projected to grow by almost 9% through 2034, driving more and more medical assistant job openings.
What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
While the exact duties a medical assistant performs may vary depending on the state you live in, some of the daily tasks may include:
- Scheduling patient appointments, sending follow-up reminders, and maintaining medical and office supply inventory
- Measuring vital signs, including blood pressure and weight
- Interviewing patients and recording their medical history and information, including vital signs and test results
- Collecting and preparing samples of blood and other laboratory specimens
- Helping physicians with patient examinations and administering injections and medications as directed
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 San Bernardino 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?
At Summit College San Bernardino, our 36-week Medical Assistant – Administrative and Clinical diploma program was developed with the goal of teaching students the foundational skills and knowledge they will need to step into entry-level roles in medical assisting.
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?
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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?
It is extremely important. That’s why, at Summit College San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino and the Inland Empire 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?
Within the allied health field, medical assistants are in high demand. Nationwide, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in this field to grow by 12% through 2034, found four times faster than the average for all occupations.
In California, that number is more than doubled. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Projections Central expects medical assistant jobs in California to grow by 26% through 2032, with an average of 18,280 job openings annually.
Where can medical assistants work?
Graduates of Medical Assistant – Administrative and Clinical program can seek employment in healthcare facilities throughout the Inland Empire 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
San Bernardino Campus
With modern classrooms equipped with audiovisual technology, labs outfitted with updated equipment and instruments, computer labs, and a student lounge, the San Bernardino campus of Summit College is set up to provide a quality education in both our allied health and skilled trades programs. Parking is provided to students at no charge.
Address and Location
Address
804 East Brier Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Located near I-10 and a short walk from the Tippecanoe Metrolink Station, conveniently situated near Colton, Loma Linda, Riverside, and more
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 San Bernardino?
If you’re looking for a secure career that is all about helping others, a future as an vocational nurse has all of that and more. Summit College can help you get the education and training you need to get it done! That’s what we’ve been doing since 1991 — helping students just like you follow their dreams of an exciting, fulfilling career as a vocational nurse. With hands-on training from caring instructors who have lived and breathed the life of a vocational nurse in the real world, we’ve got your back all the way across the finish line and beyond.
- 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 clinical skills through hands-on learning and benefit from small class sizes.
- Curriculum that provides a broad foundation: In addition to clinical and skills fundamentals, you’ll learn about various specialties, including obstetrics, pharmacology, pediatrics, nutrition and psychology and patient education for a solid foundation.
- Flexible schedules: Choose from day or evening/weekend classes that adapt to your lifestyle and responsibilities. Complete the program in just 12 months (full-time) or 18 months (part-time).
Ready for What’s Next?
Your Path to Success Starts Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Become a Medical Assistant in California?
For those looking to work as a medical assistant in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire area, your first step will be enrolling in an accredited training program that can ready you for the job market with real-world skills.
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. For those looking to work as a medical assistant in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire area, your first step will be enrolling in an accredited training program that can ready you for the job market with real-world skills. 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 assA lot of this depends on the school and program you enroll in, as many community college options can take a year or more to complete. Selecting an accredited allied health trade school can often shorten that timeline. Our Medical Assistant – Administrative and Clinical program at Summit College San Bernardino can be completed in just 36 weeks. isting 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?
Much like the timeline question, this depends on what kind of school you enroll in, how long the program takes, any book or equipment fees, and so on. Program tuition at Summit College San Bernardino can cost less than half the tuition for a single year at a traditional California college. Summit College also has access to a number of financial aid options to support our students.
