$50K median salary • Top employers hiring now
California's healthcare industry is the nation's largest, employing over 1.8 million workers and generating $400+ billion annually. Kaiser Permanente, the country's largest integrated health system, is headquartered here alongside academic powerhouses like UCLA, Stanford, UCSF, and Cedars-Sinai. The state's 39 million residents create massive demand across diverse markets—from LA's 13-million metro to rural Central Valley communities. California leads in healthcare innovation, policy, and wages.
Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for California employers.
New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.
Understanding the CA healthcare job market:
California's healthcare industry is the nation's largest, employing over 1.8 million workers and generating $400+ billion annually. Kaiser Permanente, the country's largest integrated health system, is headquartered here alongside academic powerhouses like UCLA, Stanford, UCSF, and Cedars-Sinai. The state's 39 million residents create massive demand across diverse markets—from LA's 13-million metro to rural Central Valley communities. California leads in healthcare innovation, policy, and wages.
CA salary ranges by experience level:
Bay Area and LA pay highest but cost of living is extreme. Kaiser positions include union benefits and pension—often 25-30% above market. Inland Empire and Central Valley offer better affordability. Bilingual Spanish adds $3,500-$5,500. Academic centers (UCLA, Stanford, UCSF) pay premium with research benefits. Specialty clinics often pay above general practice.
California's massive healthcare market features national leaders actively recruiting CMAs:
1200 hires/yr
Statewide (Southern & Northern CA)
Nation's largest integrated health system with hundreds of California clinics. Union representation (SEIU-UHW) provides exceptional CMA wages and benefits including pension. CMAs are integral to Kaiser's team-based care model.
200 hires/yr
Los Angeles, Westside
Top-5 nationally ranked academic medical center with extensive clinic network. CMAs work in world-class specialty practices. UC employee benefits including pension and tuition assistance.
150 hires/yr
Palo Alto, Bay Area
World-renowned academic medical center with specialty clinics. CMAs support Silicon Valley's healthcare needs. Exceptional benefits and innovation culture.
180 hires/yr
Los Angeles
LA's premier nonprofit hospital with extensive physician practices. CMAs support busy specialty clinics. Celebrity reputation with excellent clinical care and professional culture.
300 hires/yr
Northern California
Northern California's largest not-for-profit with extensive clinic network. CMAs staff primary care and specialty practices from Bay Area to Central Valley.
140 hires/yr
San Diego
San Diego's largest nonprofit health system with comprehensive clinic network. CMAs enjoy beach lifestyle with competitive wages. Five hospitals with excellent reputation.
Where the jobs are in California:
| Region | Annual Openings | % of State |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Metro | 4,600+ | 37% |
| San Francisco Bay Area | 2,350+ | 19% |
| San Diego | 1,250+ | 10% |
| Inland Empire | 1,100+ | 9% |
| Sacramento | 900+ | 7% |
| Orange County | 850+ | 7% |
“Kaiser's union position changed everything for me. The wages are 30% above market, I have a pension, and my family's healthcare is free. Being bilingual Spanish got me hired immediately. I do real clinical work—vitals, injections, EKGs—every day. I went from struggling to financially secure.”
Maria Elena C.
Bilingual Clinical Medical Assistant
Kaiser Permanente
Started at $48K union wage. Now earning $58K with pension, free healthcare, and job security.
“UCLA's reputation opens doors everywhere. I work in dermatology assisting with procedures, biopsies, and patient care. The training prepared me well for their systems. UC benefits include tuition assistance—I'm pursuing my RN while working. Bay Area cost of living is tough but UCLA wages help.”
Kevin N.
CMA - Dermatology Specialty
UCLA Health
Earning $52K at UCLA with UC benefits. Using tuition assistance for nursing degree.
California's healthcare industry is the nation's largest, employing over 1.8 million workers and generating $400+ billion annually. Kaiser Permanente, the country's largest integrated health system, is headquartered here alongside academic powerhouses like UCLA, Stanford, UCSF, and Cedars-Sinai. The state's 39 million residents create massive demand across diverse markets—from LA's 13-million metro to rural Central Valley communities. California leads in healthcare innovation, policy, and wages.
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