North-West College

Medical Assistant

South Gate Campus
Diploma · On Campus
Medical Assistant
Institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and approved by the California BPPE.
Taught at the South Gate campus in South Gate, CA; the catalog lists the method of delivery as Residential, Blended.
Total program charges are $19,995: tuition $19,525, books and supplies $370, and a $100 registration fee.
This program takes about 40 weeks to complete. It totals 28 semester credits; 940 total hours.
A $100 non-refundable registration fee is charged.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify, including Federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans (FAFSA school code 011707).

Medical Assistant is a Diploma program offered by North-West College in South Gate, CA. The program takes 40 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $19,525.

Program Overview

Medical Assistants are trained allied health care workers who perform routine tasks and procedures to support the work of physicians and other health care professionals.

Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support physicians, registered nurses and other health care professionals in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and other health care facilities.

The Medical Assistant program at North-West College provides students with the health care knowledge, training and certification required to begin working in a health care or medical office, including medical clinics, doctors’ offices, HMOs, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and other health care facilities.

Medical Assistants routinely perform a variety of important tasks, including:

  • Scheduling patient appointments.
  • Measuring patients’ vital signs.
  • Administering medications and injections.
  • Maintaining and recording patient medical information.
  • Preparing and handling medical instruments and supplies.
  • Collecting and preparing specimens for laboratory testing.

Program objectives. After successful completion of the Medical Assistant program, the graduate will be qualified to work in doctor's offices, general medical clinics or urgent care clinics. The student will be able to perform the duties required for examinations, use diagnostic equipment, perform laboratory duties, and function in all phases of the business office including having a working knowledge of data input on the computer. Graduates will be qualified to accept entry-level or mid-level positions.

Admission Requirements and Process

North-West College seeks students who are interested in practical career training and who are motivated to succeed in their chosen career fields. Admissions representatives are available at each campus to assist potential students in the admissions process. All courses offered at North-West College are in English.

Applicants who possess a high school diploma or equivalent apply through the standard pathway; applicants who do not hold a high school diploma or equivalent may still apply through the College’s Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) pathways described in the catalog. Non-high school graduates are encouraged to apply.

Applicants complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) during the enrollment process; the catalog addendum sets a minimum score of 13 for this program.

In some programs, students will be subject to criminal background checks, physical examination, and drug screening prior to being assigned an externship or clinical site.

Programs offered at North-West College are only offered to residents of the State of California.

General Requirements

  • High school diploma, equivalent or ATB
    You need a high school diploma or equivalent, or you may apply through the College’s Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) pathway, which requires a minimum score on a U.S. Department of…
  • Scholastic Level Exam (SLE)
    You must achieve a minimum score of 13 on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) for this program.
  • Admissions interview and tour
    You must complete an admissions interview and tour of the College.
  • State residency
    Programs are only offered to residents of the State of California; you attest to your physical address on the Enrollment Agreement.
  • Registration fee
    You must pay the $100 Registration Fee on or prior to the start date, or make arrangements to pay.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact Admissions
    Reach out to the College by calling 1-888-408-4211, filling out an information form on the website, or emailing admissions@success.edu.
  2. 2
    Interview and tour the College
    Schedule an appointment with an Admissions Representative to complete an admissions interview and tour of the College.
  3. 3
    Submit your application
    Complete one of the College’s applications; an Admissions Representative will contact you to set up an appointment and answer any questions you may have.
  4. 4
    Provide documents and take the entrance assessment
    Provide or request official high school graduation or equivalent documentation and take the standardized basic skills assessment for your program.
  5. 5
    Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor
    Interview with a Financial Aid Advisor prior to completing the enrollment process.
  6. 6
    Complete enrollment
    Review the College’s catalog and required disclosures, complete the Enrollment Agreement, and pay the $100 Registration Fee on or prior to the start date.

Program Schedule

The College can enroll cohorts on a weekly basis for the Dental Assistant, Massage Therapist, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Biller and Coder, and Pharmacy Technician programs of study. Enrollment cohorts for Vocational Nurse, Surgical Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, and the Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration are limited to several times each year. Specific start dates can be obtained from your Admissions Representative.

The majority of our weekday classes meet Monday through Thursday, while others meet Monday through Friday and/or include weekend classes. Programs scheduled to meet evenings and/or weekends may have a longer program length than the day programs.

No start dates are published online for this campus; classes begin throughout the year, so contact your local North-West College campus to learn when the next program is scheduled to start.

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $19,525
Total Program Cost
≈ $19,995
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Program charges.

  • Tuition: $19,525
  • Books and supplies: $370
  • Registration fee (non-refundable): $100
  • STRF: $0.00
  • Total program charges: $19,995

Books and Supplies consist of Uniforms, Textbooks, Supplies, and Tutoring. Also, Review Courses where License or Certification is required. For Federal Financial Aid purposes, an academic year is a minimum of 30 weeks, 900 clock hours, or 24 semester credits.

Cost of attendance. The cost of attendance (COA) is an estimate of expenses and costs for a typical student to attend a college or university for one academic year. It includes estimated costs you may incur for housing, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. For informational purposes, the average monthly estimated costs for a student who lives off-campus for the 2025-2026 school year is $3,015 per month.

Financial aid. North-West College participates in federal and state financial aid programs. All applicants must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and meet with the Financial Aid Office either by telephone or in person on campus to complete the financial aid process. Programs available to students who qualify include: Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans and Cal Grant B and C awards. Federal School Code (FAFSA): 011707.

Veterans Administration (VA) educational benefits may be available to those individuals who qualify. North-West College is approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) and is approved to train State Vocational Rehabilitation students; certain campuses are approved to train students eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding.

Payment plans. Students may also choose to make payments towards their tuition and fees directly to the College. North-West College offers a credit extension option, which includes a payment plan without interest where the balance must be paid within 12 months. Students who have limited financial aid assistance may qualify for alternative educational loans through a private lender.

Net Price Calculator: https://nw.edu/net-price-calculator/

Curriculum

All programs are systematically divided into courses making it easy for the student to enter at multiple times during the year and begin their program of study.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
SOSSeminar for Success4.5
MA110Medical Front Office (Secretarial I)3
MA120Medical Insurance and Coding (Secretarial II)3
MA130Communications/Computers3
MA140Office Procedures I3
MA150Office Procedures II3
MA160Lab and EKG4
CS100Career Seminar0.5
MA170Clinical Internship4

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:

  • Clinics
  • Physicians’ offices
  • Research facilities
  • Hospitals
  • HMOs
  • Public health organizations

Careers. Medical Assistant.

North-West College cannot guarantee employment.

Campus Address

South Gate Campus
8500 Long Beach Blvd.
South Gate, CA 90280

Why Accreditation Is Important

Institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).

  • A reliable indicator of quality
  • Approved program of study
  • Qualified instructors
  • Recognition by employers nationwide

Accreditations

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Images

North-West College student in blue scrubs preparing an injection during a clinical lab
North-West College student in blue scrubs preparing an injection during a clinical lab
Students in scrubs practicing a blood draw at a lab table in a North-West College classroom

Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Medical Assistant do?
Medical Assistants (MAs) take on a wide variety of tasks depending on the office or clinic in which they work. Often, MAs are responsible for completing initial patient assessments. This might involve checking a patient’s blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, and temperature. Medical Assistants may also perform a physical exam and note the patient’s height and weight. In addition, doctors and nurses rely on Medical Assistants to gather a patient’s medical history, asking questions about their current and past conditions. Medical Assistants often draw blood when a doctor orders lab work. Other common job duties include maintaining patients’ files, scheduling appointments, assisting with forms, cleaning medical equipment, stocking exam rooms, and a host of other responsibilities.
Who can a Medical Assistant work for?
Medical Assistants often work for physicians in a variety of settings, from medical offices and clinics to hospitals and other health care facilities.
How do I become a Medical Assistant?
While it is possible to get a job as a Medical Assistant with a high school diploma, more and more employers are looking for individuals with quality training from an accredited institution. Completing the Medical Assistant Program at North-West College would give you the skills and knowledge you need to hit the ground running in the World of Work in less than a year.
Why is it helpful to be certified as a Medical Assistant?
While Medical Assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in health care, the most desirable positions can be competitive. For this reason, many individuals are choosing to become certified as a Medical Assistant. This certification is the highest training a Medical Assistant can achieve and shows potential employers that the individual has the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as a Medical Assistant.
How does a Medical Assistant become certified?
After completing a Medical Assistant Program at an accredited institution, such as North-West College, an individual can sign up to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is offered in January, June, and October of each year. Once the individual passes the exam, he or she is considered a Certified Medical Assistant.
Is a Medical Assistant the same as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
No. The requirements for licensure are different for a Medical Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs must undergo additional specialized training to receive their certification. CNAs act as a liaison between patients and Registered Nurses. Medical Assistants, on the other hand, often report to a doctor or office manager and handle a variety of administrative tasks, along with some direct patient care.
What is the difference between a Medical Assistant and a Vocational Nurse?
Vocational Nurses have to complete at least one year of education, which is designed to prepare them to deliver bedside care. As part of their additional training, Vocational Nurses are tasked with a larger scope of patient care, including starting IV lines and inserting catheters. Upon graduating, Vocational Nurses must take the NCLEX licensing exam in the state in which they hope to work. Once licensed, they must renew their license every two years. Medical Assistants, on the other hand, do not have to be certified to work in a physician’s office, although it is highly recommended and preferred by many employers. Once certified, MAs must re-certify every five years by taking the CMA exam.
Where can I train to become a Medical Assistant?
North-West College has locations throughout Southern California, so there is likely one close to you! The Medical Assistant Program is available at the following NWC campuses: Anaheim, Bakersfield, Long Beach, Pomona, Riverside, San Diego, South Gate, Van Nuys, and West Covina.
How long is the Medical Assistant Program?
The Medical Assistant Program is 40 weeks long, or approximately 9 months.
Does the College offer day and evening classes?
Yes, at North-West College, we understand that it can be challenging to juggle going to College with family, work, and other responsibilities. That’s why we offer convenient day and evening classes for most of our health care training programs, so you can choose the one that’s right for you. To learn more, please contact a representative at the campus nearest you.
When does the next Medical Assistant class begin?
Classes begin throughout the year. Please contact your local North-West College campus to learn when the next program is scheduled to start.
Ready to get started?
Request information about Medical Assistant at South Gate Campus.
Medical Assistant