Clinical Medical Assistant Program Brochure
Mission
The mission of the Clinical Medical Assistant Program is to prepare students for entry-level careers in healthcare by providing comprehensive, hands-on training in both clinical and administrative competencies. The program is committed to developing skilled, compassionate, and professional medical assistants who are equipped to support healthcare providers and deliver safe, high-quality patient care.
Through progressive instruction, students gain proficiency in vital signs measurement, infection control, patient interviewing, diagnostic testing, specimen collection, and foundational pharmacology, including safe medication practices. Building on these core skills, the program further prepares students to assist with specialized procedures, coordinate laboratory and diagnostic services, manage referrals, and maintain accurate electronic health records.
Emphasis is placed on effective communication, professionalism, ethical practice, legal compliance, and teamwork within the healthcare environment. Graduates of the program are prepared to contribute confidently, competently, and ethically to diverse clinical settings while promoting patient safety and excellence in care.
Pre-requisite Requirements
All pre-requisites must be completed at the time the application is submitted, and applicants must have earned a “C” grade or higher at BC, or an equivalent course at another accredited college.
- MEDS B37 - Medical Terminology (3.0 units)
- BIOL B18 – Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4.0 units)
Basic Life Support
Students are required to show proof of a valid American Heart Association - Basic Life Support (BLS) card. This BLS card must be valid at all times.
*This requirement can be fulfilled by completion of MEDS B52.
Recommended Courses
- OFFT B51NC: Office Procedures
- OFFT B75NC: Basic Employability Skills
- OFFT B55NC: Best Practices in Customer Service
- OFFT B53NC: Personality Styles and Difficult Relationships
Applying
Application Period
A complete application must be received in the Nursing & Allied Health Office (MS 178) during the designated filing period listed below. Applications must be dropped off in person to the Nursing & Allied Health office (MS 178) or sent by mail. Emailed applications will not be accepted. Applications submitted before or after these dates will not be accepted.
- June 15 - 30 for Fall courses
- October 15 - 30 for Spring courses
- March 15 - 30 for Summer courses
Application Procedures
Read ALL instructions in their entirety before completing the application.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to complete all application requirements and procedures. Failure to meet any requirement will result in an incomplete application, which will not be considered for selection.
- CMA Application
- Program Demographic Information and Authorization to Release Information form
- Unofficial or official Bakersfield College transcripts and any college(s) attended showing all pre-requisite courses posted. ALL applicants must submit, regardless of evaluation status.
- Proof of Immunizations
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) card for Healthcare Providers (MEDS B52 satisfies this requirement)
To download application forms and the full list of required immunizations, please refer to the Bakersfield College Clinical Medical Assistant Apply webpage.
Failure to meet all application requirements or meet the application deadline will result in an incomplete application and will not be considered for selection.
If you have taken courses from any college other than Bakersfield College:
- Apply for Admission to BC either in person at the Admissions & Records office or apply on-line. Follow the Steps.
- Order an official copy of your transcripts from your previous college(s);
- Submit the official copy of your transcripts along with a Request for Evaluation to the Admissions & Records office.
- If you have taken courses from Porterville College or Cerro Coso Community College you do not need to submit official copies of transcripts for evaluation, but rather you ONLY need to submit the Request for Evaluation form to the BC Admissions & Record Office so they can convert the coursework to BC equivalent courses.
Application Status
Applicants will be notified by their student assigned email with one of the following responses:
Conditionally Accepted
Conditionally accepted is the reservation of a seat prior to all intake requirements. All conditionally accepted students will be invited to an intake session and provided next steps on how to complete intake requirements. Students must successfully complete and pass the following requirements to retain their seat in the program:
- Drug Screen
- Background Check
- Physical Exam
- Live Scan
- TB Test
Alternate Status
Alternate students are students who are eligible but are only selected if a seat becomes available for the cohort in which they applied. Alternate students will be invited to the intake session and provided next steps on how to complete intake requirements.
Please note that being considered an Alternate does not guarantee selection in future application periods for the Bakersfield College CMA program. If an Alternate applicant is not selected, they must reapply. There is NO waitlist.
Eligible, Not Selected
Your application meets program requirements however your name was not selected for this enrollment period. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply during the next application period. There is NO waitlist.
Not Eligible/Incomplete
We have reviewed your application, and based on program requirements, your application does not meet eligibility requirements. You will be emailed with further information.
Registration Information
Students who are selected and successfully onboard to the program will be provided course registration numbers (CRNs) to register for the following courses:
- Medical Science B56 (MEDS B56),
- Medical Science B57 (MEDS B57),
- Medical Science B58 (MEDS B58), and
- Medical Science B59 (MEDS B59)
Program Requirements
Essential Technical Standards
Bakersfield College faculty has the responsibility to educate and prepare students to become competent nursing/allied health employees who safely care for their patients and families using critical judgment, broadly based knowledge, and refined technical skills. Individuals interested in applying for admission to the programs should review the Essential Technical Standards to develop a better understanding of the skills, abilities and behavioral characteristics required to successfully progress in, and graduate from our programs. To be qualified for the course(s), individuals must be able to meet Essential Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodations. For further information regarding services and resources to students with disabilities and/or to request accommodations please contact the Disabled Student Programs & Services located in the Center for Student Success (CSS) Building, 1st floor, CSS 10 (661)395-4334.
| Requirements | Standards | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Physical ability, flexibility, strength, and stamina |
|
| Motor Skills | Coordination and dexterity |
Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to perform patient care and procedures such as manipulate medical equipment and accessories, knobs, buttons, computers and keyboards |
| Visual | Use of sight |
|
| Hearing | Use of auditory sense |
Ability to hear and interpret environmental noises, including verbal orders, equipment and fire alarms, cries for help, elements of physical assessment |
| Tactile | Use of touch |
Ability to sense heat, cold, pain and pressure |
| Communication | Use the English language effectively by means of speech, reading and writing. Demonstrate sensitive and effective interactions with patients, families and health care team |
Accurately elicit, interpret and convey medical and other info using verbal, nonverbal, written, assisted (TTY) and/or electronic devices Effectively communicate with individuals and teams Determine a deeper meaning or significance in what is being expressed Connect with others to sense and stimulate reactions |
| Acquire Knowledge | Ability to possess clinical inquiry, seek resources of knowledge, and become a lifelong learner |
|
| Clinical Judgment | Ability to critical think, problem solve and make decisions Intellectual and conceptual abilities |
|
| Professional Attitude | Demonstrate concern for others, integrity, ethical conduct, interest, motivation and
accountability Acquire interpersonal skills for professional interactions and diverse individuals, families and health care teams Emotional and mental stability |
|
Physical Examination Requirements
A physical examination completed by a Healthcare Provider, of the student's choice, is required upon entering the Program. This is to demonstrate that a student is in good physical and mental health and meets the Essential Technical Standards necessary to meet the course objectives. Appropriate immunizations and/or vaccinations are also required and are performed at the student's expense.
Drug & Alcohol Screening
As a condition of enrollment into any Allied Health course with a clinical laboratory component, students are required to submit to and pass a designated drug and alcohol screening at the student's expense. Additionally, students may be asked to undergo drug and alcohol screening anytime during the semester. *Although the State of California has legalized cannabis use, it is still illegal under federal law.
Background Screening and Certification Eligibility
As a condition of enrollment into any Allied Health course with a clinical laboratory component, students are required to complete and submit a background check, at the student's expense. Please note:
- A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion or other ineligibility for federal program participation could render a student ineligible for clinical placement, as determined by the clinical agencies.
- If students are unable to attend clinic due to background restrictions, then the student's seat will be forfeited as they will not be able to meet Program/Course Objectives.
Program Estimated Costs
Students will be required to purchase uniforms, textbooks and selected equipment, provide transportation to off-campus clinical education sites, and pay current college fees. Please visit Program Estimated Costs for a full breakdown.
Program Curriculum
| Course | Course Description | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MEDS B56 | Clinical Medical Assistant 1 | 4.0 |
| MEDS B57 | Clinical Medical Assistant 2 | 2.0 |
| MEDS B58 | Clinical Medical Assistant Skills Learning lab | 1.0 |
| MEDS B59 | Clinical Medical Assistant Externship | 3.0 |
NOTE: For those students interested in continuing their education and exploring different careers in healthcare, you are encouraged to meet with your Health Science Pathway Advisor/Counselor.
Additional Information
Licensure Disclosure Statement
In the State of California, licensure is not required to work as a Clinical Medical Assistant. Successful completion of a medical assistant program meets California’s educational requirements for employment in this role.
Graduates of this program may also choose to sit for a national certification examination to obtain a professional credential. While national certification may enhance employment opportunities and professional recognition, it is not required for employment in California.
Licensure, certification, or registration requirements vary by state. Individuals who plan to seek employment outside of California are responsible for researching and understanding the specific credentialing regulations of the state in which they intend to practice. It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify whether additional licensure, certification, or regulatory approval is required prior to enrollment or relocation.
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement
In accordance with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act, Bakersfield College provides services and benefits to students regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, marital status, medical condition or disability. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to administration and participation in vocational education programs. (Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.)
Equity and Inclusion
Bakersfield College is committed to creating and fostering a positive, safe and conducive learning environment based on open communication where diversity, equity, and inclusion are recognized, valued and inform thoughtful decision-making and action. BC embraces individual differences and expects all employees and students to respect these differences and accept an understanding that individuals have unique perspectives, behaviors, and worldviews that may be different from their own.
