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
- Individuals with adult criminal convictions within the past seven years in either state or federal courts may be ineligible for this program. In addition, pending charges may hinder employment opportunities**
- Unemployed or underemployed (e.g. earning less than $52,000/year)
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Proficient in Math and English – Must pass WONDERLIC assessments at 9th grade level or higher
- Be physically able to stand for 6 hours and lift up to 25 lbs.
- Able to learn and communicate effectively in English***
Location & Availability
- Resident of Santa Clara County*
- Available Monday–Friday, 8 AM–2 PM for 11 weeks
- Available for full-time externship (8 AM–5 PM) during final month
- In a stable living situation (a safe, consistent place to stay)
- Have a solid plan in place for caregiving responsibilities
- If justice-impacted: not currently awaiting trial or sentencing for a charge that could result in incarceration
Health & Safety Requirements
- Updated immunizations including 2 Step TB skin test or Quantiferon, 3 series of Hepatitis B or Titer, 2 doses of MMR or Titer, 2 doses of Varicella or Titer, DTaP vaccine or titer, Flu, Covid19, and complete Physical Examination to participate in Clinical Externship. Must complete and submit the Physical Examination Form provided during the enrollment process
- 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
- Must be drug and alcohol free to qualify for employment
- Committed to securing employment in the field in which you receive training
* We will consider residents of adjacent counties (San Benito, San Mateo, Alameda, and Santa Cruz) for enrollment on a space-available basis and provided other requirements are met.
** 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
*** All of our courses are taught exclusively in English, and unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to provide translation for those who cannot learn and communicate in English.
Not sure if you qualify?
If you’re facing challenges in any of these areas or have questions about your specific situation, please reach out to us via email: cte@goodwillsv.org. Our team is here to talk through your options and may be able to connect you with resources to help you get ready for a future session.
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, 1600 Technology Drive, San Jose)
Cost: Free
Upcoming Sessions:
Spring 2026: April 27 – July 15
Summer 2026: August 1 – October 14
Fall 2026: October 31 – January 27, 2027
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.
