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Entry Level Medical Assistant Jobs in California

Open Door Community Health Centers

Medical Assistant

Eureka, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Advocates for patients and assists in the furtherance of their care as directed within the California MA Scope of Practice. Entry level. Our medical assistant hourly wage ranges are listed below. All ...

Opendoorhealth

Medical Assistant

Eureka, CA

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Advocates for patients and assists in the furtherance of their care as directed within the California MA Scope of Practice. Entry level. Our medical assistant hourly wage ranges are listed below. All ...

Opendoorhealth

Medical Assistant

Crescent City, CA

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

Advocates for patients and assists in the furtherance of their care as directed within the California MA Scope of Practice. Entry level. Our medical assistant hourly wage ranges are listed below. All ...

Via Care

Medical Assistant - Pharmacy

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24 - $28.09/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for candidates with a passion for healthcare who are looking to start their career in a clinical setting. Medical Assistant provides basic nursing care to patients ...

Via Care

Medical Assistant - Podiatry

Bellflower, CA · On-site

$24 - $28.01/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for candidates with a passion for healthcare who are looking to start their career in a clinical setting. Medical Assistant provides basic nursing care to patients ...

New

Via Care

$24 - $28.09/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for candidates with a passion for healthcare who are looking to start their career in a clinical setting. Medical Assistant provides basic nursing care to patients ...

Via Care

Medical Assistant (Mon - Fri)

Bellflower, CA · On-site

$24 - $28.09/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for candidates with a passion for healthcare who are looking to start their career in a clinical setting. Medical Assistant provides basic nursing care to patients ...

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All JobsMedical JobsEntry Level Medical Assistant JobsEntry Level Medical Assistant Jobs in California

Entry Level Medical Assistant information

See California salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do entry level medical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level medical assistant in California is $19.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level medical assistant?

To thrive as an Entry Level Medical Assistant, you need basic clinical skills, knowledge of medical terminology, and a high school diploma or completion of a medical assistant training program. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, scheduling software, and basic laboratory equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a friendly, patient-focused attitude help set candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for ensuring efficient patient care, supporting clinical staff, and maintaining smooth office operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level medical assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level medical assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a fast-paced environment, balancing administrative and clinical tasks, and adapting to various electronic health record systems. Building strong communication skills and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues can help overcome these hurdles. Additionally, staying organized and being proactive about learning new procedures will support a smoother transition into the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Medical Assistant vs Medical Secretary?

AspectEntry Level Medical AssistantMedical Secretary
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certification preferredHigh school diploma; administrative training
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, outpatient facilitiesMedical offices, clinics, hospitals
Job DutiesClinical tasks, patient care, basic lab workScheduling, billing, patient communication
Industry UsageHealthcare, medical practicesHealthcare, administrative offices

While both roles support healthcare operations, Entry Level Medical Assistants focus on clinical tasks and direct patient care, whereas Medical Secretaries handle administrative duties like scheduling and billing. Understanding these differences helps job seekers choose the right career path in healthcare.

What is an entry level medical assistant?

Entry level medical assistants are healthcare professionals who perform both administrative and clinical tasks to support physicians, nurses, and other medical staff in healthcare settings such as clinics or hospitals. Their duties often include taking patient histories, measuring vital signs, preparing examination rooms, scheduling appointments, and handling basic laboratory procedures. Entry level positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may require completion of a medical assisting program or certification. This role is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of medical offices and for providing quality patient care.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Medical Assistant jobs in California? For Entry Level Medical Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Medical Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Medical Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Medical Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Medical Assistant job openings:
Entry Level Medical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Medical Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,828 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Medical Assistant

Open Door Community Health Centers

Eureka, CA • On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Committed to Our Community in the Heart of the Redwoods. Removing Barriers to Healthcare Access
RCHC Redwood Community Health CenterAssists in examination and treatment of patients under direction of primary care provider and/or registered nurse. Advocates for patients and assists in the furtherance of their care as directed within the California MA Scope of Practice. Entry level.
Our medical assistant hourly wage ranges are listed below. All new hires will start at the base wage for the position. MA certification and other requirements may be required to be hired at a higher step on our MA ladder.
  • MA Trainee - $25.00 to $28.87
  • MA I - $28.00 to $32.35
  • MA II - $29.50 to $34.10
  • MA III-$32.00 to $37.00

Hmong and Spanish speakers who successfully pass a language exam will receive a minimum of .75 cents added to their wage.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • (Able to demonstrate by end of probationary period)
  • Delivers compassionate assistance to patients in alignment with ODCHC's Model of Care
  • Obtains and records patient medical histories, vitals, test results, and other information for the medical chart while maintaining strict confidentiality in alignment with HIPAA, HITECH, and California regulations.
  • Prepares patients for the visit and provider examination by performing preliminary screenings, vital signs, measurements, and other MA rooming and charting duties.
  • Performs chart preparation and Robust Confirmation Calls before scheduled appointments to ensure the patient visit is smooth and efficient.
  • Follows Epic EMR workflows for MA duties including standard rooming intake, telephone call documentation, prepping/routing refill encounters, and managing message inboxes and pools.
  • Properly conducts MA procedures in alignment with ODCHC guidelines, such as electrocardiograph (ECG), respiratory testing, vision and hearing tests, ear irrigations, peak flow, nebulizer, etc.
  • Administers all medications and immunizations per ODCHC policy as directed by licensed staff (practitioner, registered nurse) using the seven rights of administration.
  • Sets-up, assists and cleans up for minor procedures in clinic such as pap smears, mole removals, minor lacerations, incision, and drainage (I&Ds), etc.
  • Properly obtains specimens and performs point-of-care testing according to laboratory protocols.
  • Stocks and cleans exam rooms to remove clutter and ensure patient safety.
  • Properly disposes of sharps, bio-hazard waste, pharmaceuticals, etc.
  • Follows standard practices of medical asepsis to clean and disinfect exam rooms and other patient facing areas of the clinic.
  • Ensures the proper sterilization and packaging of instruments, as well as the proper maintenance of the autoclave machine.
  • Follows guidelines for universal precautions including hand washing and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate.
  • Schedules appointments and follow up visits per health center procedure.
  • Adhere to the basic MA Scope of Practice in California as outlined in ODCHC policy.
  • Floats to other clinics when needed to provide coverage when requested or minimum staffing levels not met.
  • As necessary, may be required to support delivery of medications to patients' homes.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS:
  • Basic knowledge of the MA Scope of Practice in California.
  • Knowledgeable of all injection routes (i.e. SQ, IM, ID) and the seven rights of administration
  • Ability to consistently and accurately chart patient information.
  • Ability to promote effective communication between the patient and the primary care provider.
  • Ability and desire to work as a member of a team in order to enhance patient and staff experiences.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to establish constructive working relationships with all levels of management and employees in a staff of varied and diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to handle difficult or confrontational situations in a calm, consistent, and equitable manner.
  • Effective communication skills; written and verbal.
  • Ability to complete routine paperwork and write professional, quality correspondence.
  • Basic computer skills; internet, Word, and email.
  • Exercises sound and responsible judgment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Completion of accredited Medical Assistant training program OR six months or more related experience and/or training as a medical assistant (required).
  • State or National Certification or has successfully challenged the state or national board examination (optional).

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
  • Injection certificate (required by 6 months of employment)
  • Current CPR Certification
  • Certificate of Completion of Accredited Medical Assistant Program OR evidence of equivalent MA education
  • Medical Assistant Certification (optional)
  • Venipuncture/dermal puncture certification (optional)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.
SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT: The MA I reports directly to the Back Office Manager or Registered Nurse - Clinic Manager and is an integral member of the Clinical Services team.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • The physical requirements described are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential duties of the position. Reasonable accommodation will be made to allow otherwise qualified candidates to perform these functions.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Vision adequate to read medication labels, electronic and written materials, medical equipment readings & results.
  • The employee is frequently required to communicate (talk and hear) in person and by phone, at normal volumes.
  • Activities include sitting, standing, and walking. These activities, to various degrees, extend through all work activities. Standing and walking are performed frequently throughout the work shift.
  • Activities require the employee to continuously and repetitively sit for long periods of time.
  • Activities frequently include lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting and/or move up to 40 pounds.
  • Activities frequently require the employee to use hands & fingers, handle or feel objects or tools, manipulate & operate standard medical equipment including, but not limited to, exam tables, sphygmomanometers, syringes, and stadiometers. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. Kneeling, crouching, stooping, and crawling are required on an occasional basis.
  • Activities require the employee to physically assist patients on an occasional basis, when stepping up onto scales, exam tables, to and from a seated position or into positions required for specific procedures.
  • May need to possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation for delivery.

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