Elk Grove Adult and Community Education

Medical Assistant

Projections of Employment

According to O*net Online the number of Medical Assistants is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for the Medical Assistant are expected to increase by 26 percent, or 18,280 jobs between 2022-2032.

What Medical Assistant Do:

Medical Assistants greet patients in medical offices or other medical settings where they help doctors with examinations and treatments. They run routine lab tests such as urinalysis and blood counts. They may take blood pressure readings and take temperatures. They may give injections or perform ‘finger sticks’ to draw small amounts of blood if they are properly trained. Assistants may instruct patients about medication and self-treatment. They prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations and sterilize and arrange instruments and equipment used in treatment and diagnosis. They check office and lab supplies and keep the waiting, consulting, and examination rooms neat and orderly.

Medical Assistants deal with patients from many cultures. To obtain information for the doctor, Medical Assistants need the ability to put patients at ease and get them to talk freely. This is especially important with patients who are reluctant to discuss their reason for seeing the doctor and those with limited English-speaking skills.

“I chose EGACE because I saw what it did for my sister. The school was affordable and short term and liked the staff.”

Jaskirat P.
Medical Assistant Graduate

Applications are now being accepted. Space is limited

CTI Student Interest Form

Refund Policy

FAQ

EGACE's Medical Assistant Program Information

Medical Assistant 2026-27 School Year Schedule

HYBRID Format:

Five day program

Morning: 8:00 - 12:00 pm with 4 hours online per day
Evening: 5:00 - 9:00 pm with 4 hours online per day

Program hours: 876 (344 classroom + 532 Online + 160 Externship)

22 weeks

Now offering start dates monthly:

Morning Session:

Contact office for updated schedule

Evening Session:

Contact office for updated schedule

Hybrid Format:

The hybrid format combines the benefits of in-person and online learning to support student success.

In-person class hours provide direct instruction from an instructor and offer opportunities for real-time interaction with both peers and faculty. This setting encourages collaboration, immediate feedback, and a sense of classroom community.

Online hours offer students flexibility to balance school with careers, family, and other responsibilities. This format also allows for increased one-on-one support from instructors. Many students find that learning in their own environment helps them focus better. While the online component provides the freedom to work at their own pace, students are expected to complete weekly assignments and schedule regular check-ins with their instructor to ensure steady progress through the program.

Call our office to inquire about our next start date. 916-686-7724

Program Courses

1. Introduction to Medical Assistant	6. Assisting with Clincial Laboratories procedures
2. Fundalmentals of Ambulatory Care Administration	7. Applied Advanced Medical Assistant Clinical
3. Coding and Medical Billing	8. Workforce Development
4. Advanced Ambulatory Care Administration	9. Medical Assistant Practicum/Test Prep
5. Assisting with Medications	10. Externship

Program Outcomes

Graduation Rate	93%
Passing rate on Industry Certification Exam	80%
Placement rate (field of study)	86%

Labor Market Information

Annual Wages for 2024	Low (25th percentile)	Median (50th percentile)	High (75th percentile)
California	$18.87	$22.45	$28.49

Where Could this Job Lead

The list below shows the different employment opportunites with additional training a Medical Assistant can work towards.

Clinical Advancement Paths (Hands‑On Patient Care)

These roles build directly on your clinical skills—vitals, injections, EKGs, phlebotomy, patient prep, and workflow management.

1. Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN)

Training: 12–18 months
Why it fits: MAs already know clinical basics, making the transition smoother.
Advancement: Can bridge to RN later.

2. Registered Nurse (RN)

Training: 2–3 years (ADN) or 4 years (BSN)
Why it fits: Many MAs pursue nursing for higher pay, autonomy, and specialization options.

3. Surgical Technologist

Training: 1–2 years
Why it fits: MAs with OR exposure often thrive in this fast‑paced, technical role.

4. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) / Paramedic

Training: EMT (3–6 months), Paramedic (1–2 years)
Why it fits: Great for MAs who enjoy acute care and fast decision‑making.

5. Respiratory Therapist

Training: 2 years
Why it fits: Strong demand, especially in hospitals and ICUs.

Diagnostic & Technical Specialties (Higher Pay, Less Direct Care)

If you like the technical side of medicine, these roles offer strong salaries and clear career ladders.

6. Radiologic Technologist (X‑ray/CT/MRI)

Training: 2 years
Why it fits: CMAs already understand anatomy and patient positioning.

7. Ultrasound Technician (Diagnostic Medical Sonographer)

Training: 1–2 years
Why it fits: High‑paying, in‑demand, and MAs often transition well.

8. Medical Laboratory Technician

Training: 2 years
Why it fits: Good for MAs who enjoy specimen handling and diagnostics.

9. EKG/Telemetry Technician

Training: 3–6 months
Why it fits: MAs already perform EKGs in many clinics.

10. Ophthalmic or Optometric Technician

Training: 6–12 months
Why it fits: Strong demand in specialty clinics.

Specialty Clinical Roles (Often Train‑on‑the‑Job)

These roles often hire MAs because of their clinical versatility.

11. Dermatology Technician

Assist with biopsies, cosmetic procedures, lasers.

12. Orthopedic Technician

Casting, splinting, traction setup.

13. Cardiology Technician

Stress tests, Holter monitors, EKG interpretation.

14. Endoscopy Technician

Assist with GI procedures; hospitals often train MAs.

Administrative & Leadership Paths

If you enjoy the organizational side of healthcare, these roles leverage your workflow knowledge.

15. Medical Office Manager / Clinic Supervisor

MAs with experience often move into leadership roles.

16. Health Information Technician

Focus on medical records, coding, and compliance.

17. Medical Billing & Coding Specialist

Can be done remotely; strong demand.

18. Care Coordinator / Patient Navigator

Works with insurance, referrals, and patient support.

🎓 Long‑Term Professional Paths (If You Want to Go Big)

These require more schooling but are realistic for MAs who want to climb high.

19. Physician Assistant (PA)

Training: Master’s degree (2–3 years)
Why it fits: MA experience is highly valued in PA school.

20. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Path: RN → BSN → MSN/DNP
Why it fits: Many MAs eventually become NPs.

21. Healthcare Administration (BS or MS)

Move into operations, leadership, or hospital management.

Program Requirements

You must have a High school diploma or equivalent.

Funding Questions

Financial assistance may be available to qualified individuals through the Sacramento Works Job Center as funds are available, for Job Centers near you, click here. Through the newtwork of Job Centers, Sacramento Works can provide job seekers a variety of services that fit their needs.

If you are a client of the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance or the State Department of Rehabilitation you should inquire with your counselor about whether you qualify for financial assistance.

EGACE’s CTI program currently does not accept FASFA or Pell Grants.