Medical assistants in California are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers, such as physicians, nurses, or physician assistants. They are responsible for performing both administrative and clinical duties in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
To become a medical assistant in California, you generally need to complete a medical assisting program at a community college or vocational school. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and result in a certificate or diploma. Some programs also offer an associate's degree in medical assisting.
Once you have completed your medical assisting program, you can become certified through a national certification agency such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Certification is not required by law in California, but many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants.
The job outlook for medical assistants in California is good, with the state projected to add more than 13,000 new medical assistant jobs by 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As a medical assistant in California, your duties may include taking patient histories, preparing patients for exams, performing basic lab tests, administering medications, and assisting with medical procedures. You may also be responsible for scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling other administrative tasks.
The average salary for medical assistants in California is around $38,000 to $48,000 per year, but this can vary depending on your experience, location, and employer.
Overall, medical assisting can be a rewarding career in California, with many opportunities for growth and advancement within the healthcare industry.