Medical Assisting
ATTENTION!
As of 5/1/25 the MA Program will be open enrollment. No Application Form is required. Effective Fall'26 students must self register into the listed below classes:
ALH-110MA: Foundation - 1 unit
MA-100: MA Essentials - 4 units
MA-125: Clinical Skills I - 4 units
MA-170: Med Term/Human Body - 4 units
MA-173A: Medical Law & Ethics - 2 units
MA-184: Healthcare Communication - 2 units
Do you enjoy helping people? Are you looking for an in demand, well-paying career? Medical Assisting might be right for you!
You can get your certificate in just two semesters and 180 externship hours!! We also offer an Associate of Science degree.
The Medical Assisting Program is offered every Fall semester. You'll learn from skilled faculty who have real world experience in the field of Medical Assisting.
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For students interested in the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate of Achievement, please click here.
Why Cabrillo MA
Our program faculty are experienced, trained professionals and are committed to the successful completion of your chosen programs. We are proud to offer an Associate of Science Degree and a Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting. Applications are accepted year-round.
Goals and Objectives
Provide open access and a supportive environment that encourages student success in the classroom, the externship site, and the job site
Prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) skills
Encourage professionalism, integrity, and high standards in students and staff
Help students to develop skills in communication, critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving, leading to accurate decision-making
Respond to and meet the medical assistant training needs specifically of the Santa Cruz County health care community while meeting national association accreditation guidelines
Prepare students to work in a variety of settings, such as physician offices, clinics, hospitals, public agencies, and volunteer agencies
Develop closer partnerships with the healthcare industry
Career Outlook
Healthcare is the second largest employer in Santa Cruz County and Medical Assisting Program graduates are in huge demand. Medical assisting is projected to be one of the top 10 fastest growing occupations in the United States.
The career outlook for Medical Assistants is growing almost 5 times higher than other careers and healthcare is projected to add the most new positions and have the fastest job growth for the 2020-2030 employment projection.
The average salary in the Santa Cruz region is $49,718.
Medical Assistants perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks within a medical office or outpatient clinical setting.
Obtain medical histories & vital signs
Prepare patients for procedures
Assist medical providers
Administer immunizations & perform lab tests
Schedule appointments & maintain charts
Educational Information
Reviewing these websites will give you more information about certification, policies, networking opportunities and more.
Learn More
Spend some time on this website to learn more about this exciting field, review Frequently Asked Questions, learn about job preparation and see current job openings and, for those already working in the field, check out opportunities to advance in your career. For current students, view the handbook.
Ready to get started?
Contact Natalya Miller for more information.
