California Pathways

Medical Assistant pathway

Allied health in California. Values link to official sources accessed Oct 19, 2026. Where we could not verify a value, it says “Varies, check with the program.”

How to use this map

  1. Start at Step 1 and follow the arrows from left to right. On a phone, scroll down.
  2. Each box shows how long a step takes, what it costs, and where the facts come from. Tap “source” to check.
  3. Do the “Your next step” action in your current box before you move on.
  4. The dashed arrow shows a shortcut: after Step 2 you can go straight to work. Step 3 is optional.
  5. After Step 4, you can pick one of the next steps on the right (on a phone, at the bottom). Working as an MA is not required before these programs; check each program's entry rules.
  6. If a box says “Varies, check with the program,” ask the school directly.
You are here

Step 1 of 4

1. Start

Adult school ESL, ABE,

or high school equivalency class

Funded through: California Adult Education Program source (CAEP Program Guidance (CDE and CCCCO), Mar 2023)

Typical time: Varies, check with the program

Cost: Varies, check with the program

Your next step

Visit or call your local adult school. Ask a counselor which class to start in.

Step 2 of 4

2. Medical Assistant

certificate program

Adult school or college

Typical time: About 1 to 2 years (certificate or associate degree) source (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Assistants)

Cost: Varies, check with the program

Your next step

Pick two or three programs. Ask each one how long it takes, what it costs, and about financial aid.

Step 3 of 4

3. Certification exam

(optional)

Not required to work as an MA in California

Exam fee: CMA (AAMA) $125 to $250; RMA (AMT) $150 source 1 (AAMA: CMA (AAMA) Exam Application, Rev 1-26)source 2 (AMT: RMA eligibility and fees)

Prep time: Varies, check with the program

Your next step

Ask your program which exam it prepares you for. Each exam has its own eligibility rules. The CMA (AAMA) generally requires a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. For “qualified medical assistant” status, choose one from the approved list below.

Step 4 of 4

4. Entry-level job

Medical assistant

Clinic or medical office

Pay, California (EDD, 2026 Q1): $19.37/hr at the 10th percentile; $24.48/hr median. Your pay depends on the employer and your experience. source (CA EDD OEWS 2009-2026 (Data.CA.gov), 2026 1st Qtr)

Your next step

Apply for medical assistant jobs. Once hired, ask if your employer helps pay for more school.

or go straight to work (skip to 4. Entry-level job)

Next steps (choose one)

Associate degree

Length: Two-year degree, up to 60 semester units (AA-T/AS-T) source (CSU: Associate Degree for Transfer)

Cost: Varies, check with the program

Your next step

Meet a community college counselor. Ask for a plan for an AA-T or AS-T degree.

Bachelor's degree

Units: 120 total with an AA-T/AS-T into a similar CSU program source (CSU: Associate Degree for Transfer)

Typical time: Varies, check with the program

Cost: Varies, check with the program

Your next step

Ask your counselor which CSU programs match your degree, and apply for financial aid.

The steps in order

  1. Start. Adult school ESL, ABE, or high school equivalency class. Funded through: California Adult Education Program. Typical time: Varies, check with the program. Cost: Varies, check with the program. Your next step: Visit or call your local adult school. Ask a counselor which class to start in. You are here.
  2. Medical Assistant. certificate program Adult school or college. Typical time: About 1 to 2 years (certificate or associate degree). Cost: Varies, check with the program. Your next step: Pick two or three programs. Ask each one how long it takes, what it costs, and about financial aid. Or skip ahead: or go straight to work, going to step 4.
  3. Certification exam (optional). Not required to work as an MA in California. Exam fee: CMA (AAMA) $125 to $250; RMA (AMT) $150. Prep time: Varies, check with the program. Your next step: Ask your program which exam it prepares you for. Each exam has its own eligibility rules. The CMA (AAMA) generally requires a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. For “qualified medical assistant” status, choose one from the approved list below.
  4. Entry-level job. Medical assistant Clinic or medical office. Pay, California (EDD, 2026 Q1): $19.37/hr at the 10th percentile; $24.48/hr median. Your pay depends on the employer and your experience.. Your next step: Apply for medical assistant jobs. Once hired, ask if your employer helps pay for more school. Then choose one next step: LVN program (typical time: 12 to 14 months full time; 18 to 20 months part time; license: Pass the NCLEX-PN; cost: Varies, check with the program); or Associate degree (length: Two-year degree, up to 60 semester units (AA-T/AS-T); cost: Varies, check with the program), then Bachelor's degree (units: 120 total with an AA-T/AS-T into a similar CSU program; typical time: Varies, check with the program; cost: Varies, check with the program).

Certification in California

  • California does not require certification to work as a medical assistant. Medical assistants work under the supervision of a licensed provider who is on the premises, and they may not do invasive tasks or diagnose (Medical Board of California).
  • Certification from a Medical Board approved organization is needed for “qualified medical assistant” status (16 CCR 1366.3(c)).
  • Approved certifying organizations: American Association of Medical Assistants; American Medical Certification Association; American Medical Technologists; California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants; Multiskilled Medical Certification Institute, Inc.
  • NHA (CCMA) is not on the Medical Board's list of approved certifying organizations.

Source: Medical Board of California: Medical Assistants

Pay in California

CA EDD OEWS, California statewide, 2026 1st quarter, SOC 31-9092: $19.37/hr at the 10th percentile and $24.48/hr median.

Source: CA EDD OEWS 2009-2026 (Data.CA.gov), 2026 1st Qtr

Sources accessed Oct 19, 2026 (PT). Confirm current requirements with each program.

Sources

  1. CAEP Program Guidance (CDE and CCCCO), Mar 2023: https://caladulted.org/DownloadFile/1301
  2. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
  3. AAMA: CMA (AAMA) Exam Application, Rev 1-26: https://www.aama-ntl.org/docs/default-source/about-profession-and-credential/cma-exam/cma-aama-exam-app.pdf
  4. AMT: RMA eligibility and fees: https://americanmedtech.org/medical-assistant/tabs
  5. CA EDD OEWS 2009-2026 (Data.CA.gov), 2026 1st Qtr: https://data.ca.gov/@california-employment-development-department/oews/r/aef4c53a-7e17-418c-acc1-d189e39b6caa
  6. BVNPT: Licensed Vocational Nurses: https://bvnpt.ca.gov/licensees/licensed_vocational_nurses.shtml
  7. BVNPT: Vocational nurse licensure summary: https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/applicants/summary_vn.shtml
  8. CSU: Associate Degree for Transfer: https://www.calstate.edu/apply/transfer/pages/ccc-associate-degree-for-transfer.aspx
  9. Medical Board of California: Medical Assistants: https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Licensing/Physicians-and-Surgeons/Practice-Information/Medical-Assistants.aspx