1

Clinical Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Care Associate work regularly with clinicians and patients to provide drug-free pain relief and functional improvement for people recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic pain. The ...

Clinical Care Associate work regularly with clinicians and patients to provide drug-free pain relief and functional improvement for people recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic pain. The ...

Clinical Care Associate work regularly with clinicians and patients to provide drug-free pain relief and functional improvement for people recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic pain. The ...

Clinical Care Associate work regularly with clinicians and patients to provide drug-free pain relief and functional improvement for people recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic pain. The ...

Primary Function of Position The Clinical Territory Associate (CTA) is a 24+ month developmental role that will partner with the Central CA team to gain knowledge in all aspects of our business to ...

Primary Function of Position The Clinical Territory Associate (CTA) is a 24+ month developmental role that will partner with the Central CA team to gain knowledge in all aspects of our business to ...

Showing results 41-60

Clinical Associate information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$54

How much do clinical associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical associate in California is $31.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $41.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical associate?

A clinical associate works with medical facilities to optimize policies and operating procedures to better serve the health needs of patients. As a clinical associate, your job duties include observing a medical facility to identify areas for improvement, revising clinical documentation, recommending changes to comply with federal and state laws, and collaborating with subject matter experts when necessary. The qualifications for a career as a clinical associate typically include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field and experience in the healthcare industry. Some employers also require a license and training as a registered nurse or another medical professional for senior-level positions. Additional qualifications include strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Associate, you need a solid background in healthcare, patient care techniques, and basic medical knowledge, usually supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems, clinical documentation tools, and sometimes specific certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team are important soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring accurate patient care, efficient clinical operations, and effective collaboration within healthcare teams.

What are some common challenges clinical associates face when balancing administrative tasks with patient care responsibilities?

Clinical Associates often juggle a mix of direct patient care and administrative duties such as updating medical records, coordinating appointments, and communicating with other healthcare professionals. One common challenge is efficiently managing time to ensure that patient needs are met without delaying essential documentation or follow-ups. To address this, many Clinical Associates utilize digital health record systems and work closely with nurses or administrative staff to streamline workflows. Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Clinical Associate vs Medical Assistant?

AspectClinical AssociateMedical Assistant
Required CredentialsPost-secondary education, certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, certification optional
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilitiesDoctor's offices, clinics, outpatient settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, hospitals, clinicsMedical practices, outpatient clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, job dutiesEntry-level healthcare support, job responsibilities

Clinical Associates typically have more advanced training and work in diverse healthcare settings, often performing clinical procedures and patient assessments. Medical Assistants usually support physicians with administrative and basic clinical tasks. Both roles are vital in healthcare but differ in education requirements and scope of practice.

Do you need a degree to be a clinical associate?

A clinical associate typically needs at least a relevant healthcare-related degree, such as a bachelor's or master's in a health sciences field, depending on the specific role and employer requirements. Certification or licensing may also be required to practice legally and effectively in clinical settings.

What are the duties of a clinical associate?

A clinical associate provides healthcare services under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional, which may include conducting patient assessments, assisting with procedures, documenting medical information, and supporting treatment plans. They often work in clinical settings such as hospitals or clinics and may need relevant certifications or training depending on the specific role and location.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical jobs in California?

The most popular types of Clinical jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Clinical Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Clinical Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Associate job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,745 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Clinical Associate Physician- Emergency Medicine

Los Alamitos, CA • On-site

University of California, Irvine
Education • 10K+ employees

$177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide patient care services in the Emergency Department at UCI Health - Los Alamitos.

  • Ensure compliance with all standards, complete required trainings, and follow proper documentation processes.

  • Adhere to departmental policies, maintain patient confidentiality, and comply with all privacy laws.


University Of California Irvine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.
The Department of Medicine has 11 divisions, more than 300 employees and more than $68 million in expenditures annually. The mission of the Department of Medicine is to deliver accessible, patient-centered healthcare of the highest caliber while training compassionate, visionary and innovative clinicians and researchers. We develop, teach and practice state-of-the-art, evidenced-based medicine that holds the promise of a better future for the people of California and beyond.
Salary Range
$315,964 - $406,183 (depending on years of experience) with a potential for a year-end incentive
"Benefits eligible base salary compensation based on MSP level for a Clinical Associate Physician is $315,964 - $406,183. In addition, candidates have the potential to earn additional compensation through incentive eligibility on top of the base salary contingent on performance and experience."
Schedule: 128 hours per month (1,536 hours per year)
Your Role on the Team
The Clinical Associate Phsyician will primarily provide patient care services in the Emergency Department at UCI Health - Los Alamitos with the potential to work at other sites in the future. Clinical Associate Phsyician is expected to comply with all compliance standards, complete all required trainings, and follow proper documentation process to meet the standards of the Compliance Office and Medicare regulations.
What It Takes to be Successful
Required:
  • Demonstrated experience in quality improvement to improve patient outcomes.
  • Adhere to departmental policies, procedures, and objectives while in compliance of all UC policies and procedures. Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all state and federal privacy laws.
  • Leadership skills; ability to motivate, inspire, communicate with faculty, residents, staff, and peers to maintain a professional, team-based approach in the care of patients.
  • Candidates must possess a M.D. or D.O., or equivalent degree
  • Board-certified and have California licensure
  • Active and current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certification

Special Conditions:
  • Applicants should complete an online application profile and upload the following application materials electronically to be considered for the position: 1. Curriculum vitae 2. List of References 3. Cover Letter (optional)

Total Rewards
In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
Conditions of Employment:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
  • Background Check and Live Scan
  • Employment Misconduct*
  • Legal Right to work in the United States
  • Vaccination Policies
  • Smoking and Tobacco Policy
  • Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.
  • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
  • E-Verify
  • Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
Closing Statement:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.
Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization

What University Of California Irvine employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom