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.
Program Structure
- Medical Assistant 1 (Administrative Emphasis) – 12 weeks, April 18 - July 18, 2026
- Medical Assistant 2 (Clinical Emphasis) – 16 weeks, August 10 - December 5, 2026
- Medical Assistant 3 (160-hour Externship – Required) May begin in either January, March or May 2027
📌 Completion of a single course does not qualify students to work as a Medical Assistant; all three courses are required to be eligible to sit for a certification exam.
📌 Completion of MAI would equip a student to seek employment as a Patient Services Representative.
Medical Assistant 1: 12 weeks, April 18, 2026 through July 18, 2026
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
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. Externships may be either arranged by Poway Adult School or students may find their own clinical sites.
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! One Information Session Remains!
- Monday April 13th 6-7:30pm
📌 Register in advance for a mandatory information session here or call Poway Adult School to reserve your seat at (858) 668-4024. Students may also request an individual Zoom Information Session by emailing [email protected].
Class Schedule for Medical Assistant 1 (April 18 - July 18 2026)
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
Tuition & Fees
Additional Fees (~$200+) include:
- Medical exam, vaccinations
- TB tests CPR/BLS training
- Closed-toe athletic shoes
Scholarship Available (Details shared in info sessions)
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%
Drops and Refund Policy
- 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)