Medical Assistant Jobs in California
Medical assistant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand across outpatient clinics, multispecialty group practices, and health systems serving one of the largest patient populations in the United States, and openings range from entry-level to senior clinical roles. Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area lead hiring volume, with large employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and Sutter Health consistently posting openings. The most in-demand specialties in California are family medicine, pediatrics, and dermatology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Company Description
At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, we know world-renowned care begins with world-class caring. That's why we combine advanced technologies and breakthrough discoveries with family-centered care. It's why we provide our caregivers with continuing education and state-of-the-art facilities, like the newly remodeled Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. And it's why we need caring, committed people on our team - like you. Join us on our mission to heal humanity, one child and family at a time.
Job ID: P144326-2983
JOB SUMMARY
This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.
Medical Assistant I is the entry, developmental and first working level of the Medical Assistant Job Family. Under general supervision in an outpatient clinical setting, the medical assistant performs a variety of routine administrative, clerical and technical supportive services to assist medical and nursing staff in the examination and treatment of patients. Assists with direct patient care procedures and related tasks and performs medical procedures of a routine nature, as dictated by established clinical procedures. Responsible for clinical duties such as taking vital signs, giving injections, transporting medications, performing simple diagnostic tests, collecting specimens, drawing blood, sterilizing and cleaning equipment and maintaining examination rooms and supplies. Works under the clinical supervision of a licensed physician or as delegated by the physician for patient care activities, and under the general direction of the designated manager/supervisor. May also be responsible for some administrative duties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.
Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.
- Escorts patient to exam room, measures and records vital signs, documents medication, and collects medication information.
- Prepares patient examination rooms prior to the visit to ensure that proper equipment and supplies are set-up for examinations, required procedures, and/or treatments. Cleans exam room following visits.
- Performs procedures, such as phlebotomy, venipuncture, and sterile dressing changes, following established procedures and completed competencies. Prepares patient for examination or treatment and performs routine screening tests.
- Assists physicians/providers with sterile and non-sterile procedure set-ups, patient procedures and examinations. Administers medication by intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections, performs skin tests, venipunctures and other technical supportive services upon the specific authorization and supervision of a licensed physician or nurse. Administers medication following approved procedures and only after verification of medication and dosage by a licensed person.
- Provides patient education materials.
- Performs routine examination and treatment procedures which may include: applying and removing bandages and dressings, removing sutures and casts, cleaning wounds and applying medications and dressings, performing ear lavage, preparing patients for examinations, and disinfecting treatment sites per specialty approved competencies.
- Pick up medications from Pharmacy; receive medication deliveries from Pharmacy. Per department-specific policy, may place medications into secure storage, including the correct storage location and temperature; return medications to Pharmacy or prepare medications for return to Pharmacy via courier. Processes requests for prescription refills according to established practice.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the need for secure storage of medications, Demonstrates knowledge of the correct temperature at which to store drugs, how to identify the correct storage temperature for individual drugs, the procedure to follow for monitoring storage temperatures and actions to take when the temperatures are out of range.
- Demonstrates knowledge of growth and development principles, when gathering data and communicating with infants, toddlers, school age, and adolescent patients - including knowledge of normal vital signs, general appearance, signs/symptoms of abuse/neglect activity, and mobility.
- Performs the following procedures as directed by Registered Nurse (RN)/Nurse Practitioner (NP)/ Physician (MD) and records in the medical chart: Audiometric and vision screening, Non-sterile dressing removal and/or specialty specific procedures (i.e. removing splints, crutch fitting)
- Collects and sends specimens to hospital laboratory/appropriate labs for testing per procedure. Follows guidelines for proper handling of specimens for transport. Provides and documents point of care testing.
- Reports patient's concerns and symptoms, reactions, changes (appropriate to age) to licensed clinic personnel. Documents clinical information, including patient phone calls and maintains accurate and complete patient documentation according to medical profession standards;
- Prepares the necessary equipment and supplies for exam. Maintains inventory of supplies in examination rooms, replenish as required. Maintains clean and orderly exam rooms, hallways and work areas.
- Takes patient's messages and provides directions/instructions to patients according to physician orders and established guidelines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of all requirements in a recognized Medical Assistant training program or equivalent completion of the minimal training requirements as outlined in section 1366 of the Business and Professions Code*
- The equivalent completion of training as outlined in Section 1366 applies only to employees hired prior to 8/4/2013. New employees must complete a recognized Medical assistant training program.
Experience: None required.
License/Certification:
- Basic Life Support by American Heart Association (AHA)
- or
- RQI Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support
KNOWLEDGE
These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Knowledge of and/or ability to use the equipment defined in the Equipment Competency listing, including tube system, nurse call box, emergency masks, One-Way Valve for Basic Life Support, suction devices, automatic BP machine, infant and standing scales, wheelchairs, gurneys, exam table, thermometers, FAX machine, audiometer, tympanogram, portable oxygen tanks and automated dispensing cabinet for medications
- Knowledge of inventory management practices
- Knowledge of basic process improvement principles
- Ability to respond in the event of a medical emergency, including BLS, immediate notification of RN/NP/MD, and access of emergency paging system
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and handle a high volume of interactions (phones, patients, etc.)
- Ability to perform standard clinical procedures according to established protocols, within the Medical Assistant scope of work.
- Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to deal with diverse patient/family interactions.
- Ability to recognize and communicate problems promptly.
- Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area
- Ability to demonstrate customer service skills in interactions with all patients, families and staff, including high volume and stressful situations
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, work independently and meet deadlines
Physical Requirements
The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information
Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.
Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $33.98 to $38.52
Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
See All 584+ Medical Assistant Jobs in California
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Find Medical Assistant JobsMedical Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Medical Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Stanford Health Care41

- University of California, San Francisco37

- Carbon Health30

- University of California - San Francisco30

- UCLA Health27

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services411
- Education133
- Non-Profit & Social Services19
- Science & Research19
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals16
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in medical assistant jobs across California.
- Completion of an accredited medical assistant program or equivalent clinical training in California
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential preferred by most employers
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems such as Epic or Athenahealth
- Ability to perform front- and back-office duties including phlebotomy and vital signs
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required by most California clinical settings
- Strong bilingual communication skills, particularly Spanish, valued across California patient populations
Medical Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a medical assistant in California?
California does not require a state-issued license for medical assistants, but employers strongly prefer candidates who have completed an accredited medical assistant program and hold a national credential such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists. Most programs take under two years and are available through California community colleges and vocational schools. A BLS certification is also expected before starting most clinical roles.
How much do medical assistants make in California?
Medical assistants in California earn a median of about $49,660 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $39,290 for the lowest 10% to over $77,300 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire medical assistants in California?
Employers hiring medical assistants in California right now include Stanford Health Care, University of California, San Francisco, and Carbon Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense network of integrated health systems, independent medical groups, and federally qualified health centers means consistent openings across both major metros and underserved rural communities throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most medical assistant jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles have the most medical assistant openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego generate high volume through their large hospital networks and outpatient clinic infrastructure, while San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area cities are driven by large integrated systems like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health, which operate dozens of medical offices across the region.
Are there remote medical assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Medical assistants primarily perform hands-on clinical tasks that require an in-person presence, so most roles are on-site. About 1% of medical assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions are typically limited to administrative or care coordination functions such as patient outreach, prior authorizations, or telehealth support roles.
How can I get hired as a medical assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an accredited California community college medical assistant program, which often includes an externship that leads directly to a job offer. Large California health systems such as Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health run new-hire training tracks for recent program graduates. Candidates coming from adjacent roles such as patient service representative, medical receptionist, or certified nursing assistant have a strong starting point, and earning a CMA or RMA credential significantly improves hiring odds even without paid clinical experience.
Where can I find and apply to medical assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to medical assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state. Find roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to the positions that fit.
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