CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Medical Assistant
Tuition-Free Medical Assistant Training in San Jose | 11-Week Program
Launch Your Healthcare Career with Clinical Externship & Job Placement, at No Cost to You.
Start a stable, rewarding healthcare career in just 11 weeks. Our no-cost Medical Assistant Training Program combines classroom learning with real-world clinical experience, preparing you for in-demand roles in medical offices, clinics, wellness centers, and healthcare facilities across the Bay Area.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
✓ Free 11-week training + 160-hour clinical externship
✓ Hands-on experience in real healthcare settings
✓ CPR certification and JobTrain Certificate of Achievement
✓ Eligible for national NCCT certification
✓ Job placement support with Bay Area healthcare employers
Medical assistants are among the fastest-growing healthcare careers, with strong demand and job stability.
What You’ll Learn:
Our comprehensive 11-week program prepares you for both administrative and clinical medical assistant roles:
Clinical Skills
- Taking vital signs and patient histories
- Administering injections (IM, ID, subcutaneous)
- Performing venipunctures (blood draws) and ECGs
- Dose calculations and medication safety
- Patient care and communication
Administrative Skills
- Medical terminology, billing, and coding
- Appointment scheduling and patient records
- Insurance processing and verification
- HIPAA and OSHA compliance
Workplace Readiness
- Professional communication
- Resume building and interview skills
- Healthcare workplace culture
- Job search strategies
160-Hour Clinical Externship
- Apply skills learned in class to real patient care
- Work alongside experienced medical professionals
- Build your resume with hands-on experience
- Make connections with potential employers
Externship sites include medical offices, clinics, urgent care centers, and specialty practices throughout the Bay Area.
CERTIFICATIONS EARNED
- CPR Certification
- JobTrain Certificate of Achievement
Competency Testing) Medical Assistant exam for national certification – a credential many employers prefer or require.
We’ll prepare you for the exam and support your certification journey.
Basic Requirements:
Age & Work Authorization
- 18 years or older
- Eligible to work in the U.S. with valid documentation
- No adult criminal convictions (background checks are conducted during the first week of class)
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a basic math and English assessment (9th-grade level)
- Be physically able to stand for 6 hours and lift up to 25 lbs.
Location & Availability
- Reside in San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, or Santa Cruz County
- Available Monday–Friday, 8 AM–2 PM for 11 weeks
- Available for full-time externship (8 AM–5 PM) during final month
Health & Safety Requirements
- Updated immunization records (required for healthcare settings)*
- Physical examination (form provided during enrollment) *
- Physically able to stand 6 hours and lift up to 25 lbs
- Pass background check for clinical placement**
Additional Requirements
- Not currently enrolled in another JobTrain program
- Committed to substance-free workplace standards
*We’ll guide you through the immunization and physical exam process – costs may be covered by insurance or community health programs.
** Background checks are required for placement in healthcare facilities. We review each case individually and work with you to find appropriate clinical sites. Prior convictions do not automatically disqualify you—please contact us to discuss your situation confidentially. If you need legal assistance, Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto may be able to help: www.CLSEPA.org
Course Details
Format: Hybrid (online lectures + onsite hands-on training)
Schedule:
• Classroom: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Externship: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (final four weeks)
Duration: 11 weeks + 160-hour externship
Location: Online and onsite (at Goodwill of Silicon Valley, 1080 N. 7th St, San Jose)
Cost: Free
Upcoming Sessions:
Spring 2026: April 27 – July 15
Apply by [DATE] | Orientation: [DATE
Summer 2026: August 1 – October 14
Apply by [DATE] | Orientation: [DATE]
Fall 2026: October 31 – January 27, 2027
Apply by [DATE] | Orientation: [DATE]
Space is limited. Apply early to secure your spot.
Questions about eligibility or the application process?
Contact us — we’re here to help you succeed.