Medical Assistant Schools in San Jose

If you’re interested in getting into the health care field, becoming a medical assistant, of any kind, is a great way to start. If you love working with a variety of people and are interested in improving health care in your area, you may have found your match. In the San Jose area, there are nearly one million residents that rely on the care provided by medical professionals.

If you are looking for medical assistant programs, Bay Area schools have several options. You can earn a degree or a certificate in a variety of different areas. Some of your options include administrative programs, surgical tech programs and dental assisting programs. To find out more about your options, contact the schools on our site by submitting your request for information. After you have had a chance to review programs, you will be better prepared to choose the medical assistant program that is right for you.

You may have an even better job outlook in this region as a medical assistant if you are bilingual, as the U.S. Census Bureau reports that over half of people in San Jose speak a language other than English. Becoming a medical assistant may permit you to take on an administrative or medical role in a medical facility.

Schools and Jobs in San Jose

There are many medical assistant schools in San Jose CA, offering a variety of programs. In addition to schools, some hospitals also have medical assisting programs that allow you to gain experience in the hospital while completing your education. Of course, there are also degree programs at local technical schools and community colleges, which offer a relatively quick route to entering the medical field.

This city has many sizable health care employers as well, which is good news when it comes time to look for a medical assistant position. You may be able to work for several different organizations after you graduate, including clinics, community health centers, hospitals and long term care centers. Your education will also include clinical experience, which may actually be completed at one of these facilities. Some of these large employers include Covenant Surgical Care, Dignity Health Foundation, Sequoia Hospital, and Concentric Healthcare Solutions.

The job outlook in California is quite encouraging for medical assistants. O*Net reports that job openings for medical assistants are expected to increase 22 percent between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net).

If you are ready to begin your career as a medical assistant, San Jose may offer median salaries that tend to be higher than statewide and national averages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 4,580 medical assistants in San Jose (2016). Their estimates indicate that medical assistants in this region earn an average of $45,020
per year (BLS, 2016).

Transportation and Networking in San Jose

There are many networking resources for medical assisting students and working medical assistant in California. The California Society of Medical Assistants offers numerous benefits to members, including an annual meeting, access to medical assistant publications, and legislative updates. In addition, the California Medical Assistants Association supports medical assistants in many different capacities. They aim to enhance the professional standards of medical assisting, improve communication between medical professionals, and offer continuing education opportunities to members.

There are multiple scholarship options in this state, many of which are funded by the government. The Health Professions Education Foundation awards the Health Professions Education Scholarship and the Allied Healthcare Scholarship.

Public transit may help you easily get to and from work and school. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority offers daily, monthly, and annual passes for your convenience.

Getting a Medical Assistant Degree

You may be amazed at how much you can learn in a medical assisting program. Whether you choose to attend a one-year diploma, one-year certificate, or two-year Associate’s degree program, you will learn many of the same core skills. However, an Associate’s degree may offer a broader base of general education.

Some of your classes may center around administrative procedures and duties. Classes in this category include Coding and Billing, Health Care Insurance, and Front Desk Procedures. Completing these courses allows you to play an important role in your institution’s front desk operations.

Clinical courses make up a significant part of your medical assisting curriculum as well. You will need to learn how to work professionally with patients, learning to take blood, communicate effectively with other health care professionals, and perform basic medical exams. You may take classes like Fundamentals of Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Procedures, and Phlebotomy. Hands-on experience is a big part of this degree, so you may spend lots of time in a clinical setting. When it comes to medical assistant programs, San Jose is a great place to find a school. Take a look at those on this page that interest you, then request more information from those you think might work for you.

Salary numbers provided are from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.