Medical Assistant (MA)

Poway Adult School is offering a three-part Medical Assistant (MA) course designed to prepare students for a successful career as a Medical Assistant. Medical Assistants provide essential administrative and technical services under the direct supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. The curriculum covers both theoretical concepts and practical skills needed for direct patient care including basic anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, phlebotomy, medical technology and essential hands on clinical skills. Certification is not required to begin working as an MA, but graduates may be eligible to sit for one of the state-approved certification exams. For more details about the State certification exam, visit the Medical Board of California. This course is taught by a Certified Medical Assistant and Credentialed Instructor.

Medical Assistant 1: 12 weeks, April 18, 2026 through July 18, 2026 (dates subject to change) 

This is the first course in a three-part series. It introduces administrative and basic clinical skills, including:
✔ Electronic medical records, & administrative duties
✔ Medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy & physiology and infection control
✔ Taking patient vital signs, administering injections & vaccines, collecting specimens for lab and assisting the physician

Medical Assistant 2: 16 weeks, August 10, 2026 through December 5, 2026 (dates subject to change)

This is the second course in a three-part series. It builds on the skills learned in MA1 with an emphasis on more advanced clinical skills.  Students will also receive their BLS CPR training during this semester, Topics include:
✔ Assisting in minor surgeries, infection control and sutures
✔ Blood draws and office lab tests
✔ Body systems and common conditions

Medical Assistant 3: 160 hour (4 week) Externship

Students who complete MAII with a passing grade of 75% and meet clinical medical compliance are eligible for placement in a 160 hour externship with a local health care facility or clinic. Externships require student participation M-F, 8-5pm for 4 weeks. Upon completion, students may chooses to sit for one of the Medical Board of California's Medical Assistant Certification exams.  

How to Enroll

To register, attendance at a FREE Information Session is required.
Sessions cover program details, tuition, scholarships, payment plans, and enrollment steps. Our team will be available to answer questions.

Register NOW for a free Information Session (Online via Zoom): Zoom link emailed to students several days prior to the session!

📌 Register in advance for a mandatory information session here or call Poway Adult School to reserve your seat at (858) 668-4024. 

Class Schedule for Medical Assistant 1 (April 18 - July 18 2026) dates subject to change

Monday & Wednesday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM (Online via Zoom)

Saturday (Lab): 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

📍 Address: Del Norte High School, Room P-116, 16601 Nighthawk Ln, San Diego, CA 92127

Student Requirements

✔ Live Scan Background Check
✔ Social Security Card & Matching ID
✔ Physical Exam, TB Test & Vaccine History
✔ CPR/BLS Certification
✔ Laptop, Zoom & Stable Internet (Laptops available for checkout)

📌 A detailed Student Requirement Checklist will be sent before the course begins.

Attendance and Completion Requirements

• Full attendance is mandatory
• Minimum passing grade: 75%

• 100% refund before the first class
• 75% refund (minus books) if dropped within the first 4 class sessions
• No refunds after the 4th session

Overview of Certification and Training Agencies

Link Medical Board of CA (click here)