Medical Assisting is a Certificate program (Hybrid) offered by Carrington College in Santa Maria, CA. The program takes 36 weeks; 36 semester credits to complete, with a total cost, including fees, of $22,404.
Program Overview
Medical assistants support physicians by performing clinical procedures and handling administrative duties, keeping medical clinics, private practices, and hospitals running smoothly. Carrington College's Medical Assisting program is built around three areas — clinical, administrative, and a hands-on externship — with an emphasis on professionalism, patient relations, critical thinking, and the ethical and legal standards of a medical practice.
The program is offered in a blended format: technical coursework combines on-campus instruction with online learning, and students complete an in-person externship at an approved healthcare site. It leads to a Certificate of Achievement in about 36 weeks.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam and, at campus locations, the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exams. Credential preparation varies by location.
What Sets This Program Apart
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Medical Assisting program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply anatomical and physiological concepts to normal body function and common disease processes using accurate medical terminology.
- Administer medications safely using correct dosage calculations, routes, and documentation standards.
- Perform laboratory and clinical procedures according to safety protocols, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate patient care by providing education, resources, and support that promote health and continuity of care.
- Manage administrative operations by maintaining accurate records, supporting scheduling and billing, and using EHR or EMR systems to keep workflows efficient.
- Communicate effectively using professional verbal, nonverbal, and written skills.
- Comply with laws, ethical standards, and professional guidelines to protect patient rights and maintain confidentiality.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Institutional Accreditation
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at http://www.accjc.org/.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene programs at the Boise, Mesa, Ontario, Sacramento, San Jose, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The Physical Therapist Assistant programs at the Las Vegas and Pleasant Hill campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The Associate Degree in Nursing programs at the Albuquerque (NM), Phoenix (AZ), Mesa (AZ), Reno (NV), and Tucson (AZ) campuses are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), with the most recent decision being Continuing Accreditation; the Las Vegas (NV) program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective April 23, 2025.
The Nursing Bridge program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation). The Practical Nursing program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation); the Albuquerque, New Mexico Practical Nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective September 5, 2024 (candidacy expires September 5, 2026).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered through the Sacramento campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science degree programs at the Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Ontario, Phoenix, Pleasant Hill, Rancho Cordova, Temecula, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
The Surgical Technology programs at the Bakersfield, Fresno, Phoenix, Rancho Cordova, San Jose, and Temecula campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
The Veterinary Technology programs at the Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, and Stockton campuses are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). AVMA accreditation for the Veterinary Technology program in Ontario is currently assigned to San Joaquin Valley College and will transfer to Carrington-Ontario 30 days before the next scheduled start date.
The most current information on accreditation and approvals can be found at https://carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentBe a graduate of an approved high school or hold a GED / High School Equivalency credential.
- Admissions assessmentPass the Wonderlic SLE with the minimum score designated by the selected program, where applicable.
- Minimum ageMeet the minimum age defined by the state in which you attend Carrington College.
- Enrollment documentationComplete all required enrollment documentation.
- Immunizations (Nevada & Oregon campuses)Students attending on-campus coursework in Nevada or Oregon must provide proof of immunization before starting on-campus classes.
- Background check & drug screeningEntry to this field may require a criminal background check and drug/alcohol testing prior to externship — for licensure, certification, or employment.
Application Process
- 1Request InformationSubmit the Request Information form and an Enrollment Services Representative will reach out to discuss the program, schedule, and your goals.
- 2Interview & RequirementsMeet with an Enrollment Services Associate, confirm you meet the admission requirements, and complete the admissions assessment.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA and meet with the financial aid office to review Pell Grants, federal loans, Work-Study, and VA/GI Bill options.FAFSA Code for Santa Maria: 009748Fill Out the FAFSA
- 4EnrollSign your Enrollment Agreement, register for classes, and attend orientation to begin the program.
Program Schedule
The Medical Assisting certificate is delivered in a blended format — technical courses pair on-campus instruction with online coursework, and the program concludes with a 180-hour in-person externship at an approved healthcare setting.
Approximate time to complete: 36 weeks (not including breaks), totaling 36 semester credits.
Curriculum
Technical courses (blended — lecture on campus, plus online coursework and an in-person externship):
| Course | Title | Lecture Hrs | Lab Hrs | Extern Hrs | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCA110 | Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professionals | 75 | 15 | 0 | 5 |
| HCA120 | Medical Office Management | 60 | 30 | 0 | 5 |
| HCA130 | Medical Administrative and Technology Applications | 60 | 30 | 0 | 5 |
| MA115 | Pharmacology and Medication Administration | 60 | 30 | 0 | 5 |
| MA125 | Laboratory and Emergency Procedures | 60 | 30 | 0 | 5 |
| MA135 | Clinical and Patient Evaluation Procedures | 60 | 30 | 0 | 5 |
| MA190 | Medical Assisting Externship | 0 | 0 | 180 | 4 |
| MA195 | Medical Assisting Capstone | 30 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Total for Certificate | 405 | 165 | 180 | 36 |
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
The total program cost for the Medical Assisting certificate at Carrington's California campuses is $22,404. This all-inclusive price covers tuition, your eBook and physical textbooks, an iPad, and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) where required. Additional screening fees (Live Scan, drug/health, and background check) may apply, and actual cost can vary with transfer credits accepted and any course repeats. Use the Net Price Calculator to estimate your personalized cost after aid.
Carrington College complies with all applicable state and federal equal credit opportunity laws; however, Carrington College does not guarantee financial assistance or credit to any student.
Federal Student Aid Programs
There are three categories of federal financial assistance: grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study. To help students pay for post-secondary education, the U.S. Department of Education offers six primary federal financial aid programs, and Carrington College is eligible to participate in all six.
- Federal Pell Grants help fund post-secondary education for undergraduate students who have not previously earned bachelor's degrees. Grants are need-based and do not require repayment if the student remains in school during that term.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) provide supplemental funds to Federal Pell Grant-eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional need.
- Federal Work-Study (FWS) enables students who demonstrate financial need to earn wages to assist with paying for their education expenses through part-time education-related or community-service employment.
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are obtained from the U.S. Department of Education and must be repaid, typically once students have graduated or stopped attending school at least half the time.
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans (Parent Loans) allow parents of dependent students to borrow a maximum of educational costs less financial aid per academic year.
Many lenders also offer non-federal (private) loans to supplement federal financial aid.
Veterans Benefits
Students who may qualify for veteran's education benefits should notify their Carrington College Enrollment Services Associate and Financial Services Advisor as far in advance of their scheduled class start date as possible. Benefits may be awarded under the GI Bill, including the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve, Dependent's Education Assistance (Chapter 35), and Post-9/11 (Chapter 33). Carrington College participates in the federal Yellow Ribbon program for students using Chapter 33 benefits (not available at all locations).
Financial Services
Services are available to assist all students with loan repayment options, deferments, debt management, and financial literacy.
What to Expect as a Student at Carrington College
Student Advising
We provide assistance and support to students who experience academic or personal issues during the course of their education. Staff are ready to assist you with developing a course of action designed to address your particular challenge.
Academic Support
Instructors are your first point of contact for support. All ground campus instructors have office hours and contact information posted in the course syllabus, and students are encouraged to use this time for one-on-one tutoring and identifying suggestions for improving study techniques and habits. The College Library subscribes to many databases containing current, full-text articles from periodicals, including peer-reviewed scholarly journals, and access to multimedia and electronic books available 24/7.
Tutoring, Mentors & Peer Support
Ground campus instructors are your first point of contact when requesting tutoring. Ground campuses also have student mentors who are the second point of contact for tutoring services, and students are encouraged to form study groups.
Student Success Center
Student Success Centers are spaces on campus where students can go to find additional resources and support, including information related to their program of study as well as general information and guidance on student success strategies.
Personal Resources
The College may provide assistance with transportation, childcare, counseling, food, utilities, and prevention programs. The Dean can connect students with these resources and provide referrals to appropriate outside agencies. Resources will vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Institutional Accreditation
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at http://www.accjc.org/.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene programs at the Boise, Mesa, Ontario, Sacramento, San Jose, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The Physical Therapist Assistant programs at the Las Vegas and Pleasant Hill campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The Associate Degree in Nursing programs at the Albuquerque (NM), Phoenix (AZ), Mesa (AZ), Reno (NV), and Tucson (AZ) campuses are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), with the most recent decision being Continuing Accreditation; the Las Vegas (NV) program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective April 23, 2025.
The Nursing Bridge program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation). The Practical Nursing program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation); the Albuquerque, New Mexico Practical Nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective September 5, 2024 (candidacy expires September 5, 2026).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered through the Sacramento campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science degree programs at the Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Ontario, Phoenix, Pleasant Hill, Rancho Cordova, Temecula, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
The Surgical Technology programs at the Bakersfield, Fresno, Phoenix, Rancho Cordova, San Jose, and Temecula campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
The Veterinary Technology programs at the Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, and Stockton campuses are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). AVMA accreditation for the Veterinary Technology program in Ontario is currently assigned to San Joaquin Valley College and will transfer to Carrington-Ontario 30 days before the next scheduled start date.
The most current information on accreditation and approvals can be found at https://carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.