Medical Training Programs
If you're looking to build a successful career in the medical field, this is a great place to start!
The Lake County Office of Education offers Medical Training Programs that are local, fast, affordable, and hands-on.
Please view our CNA / MA Videos to learn more about these programs from our successful graduates.
We are currently recruiting for our Youth Summer CNA Program! Application Deadline is February 27, 2026 for our Youth Program. For more information and to apply, visit our Youth Summer CNA Apply Now Page.
Programs Offered
Medical Assistant
Our Medical Assistant (MA) program prepares students to work alongside doctors and nurses in medical clinics. This fast-paced program is nine months long, with weekday classes and hands-on clinical externship experiences in medical clinics throughout Lake County. It is based in Lakeport.
What Is a Medical Assistant (MA)?
Medical Assistants work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals in medical offices and clinics. They perform administrative and clinical duties, from greeting patients and taking vital signs to performing lab tests and EKGs.
Why Become a Medical Assistant?
This is an in-demand career with many jobs available.
The average salary for Certified Medical Assistants upon program completion and certification is currently $18 - $23 an hour in Lake and Mendocino counties.
Medical Assistants do hands-on, fast-paced work in diverse clinical settings. Their work is engaging and varied. They work closely with doctors and nurses and make meaningful connections with their patients.
Medical Assistants often go on to become Licensed Vocational Nurses and/or Registered Nurses, and even Physicians’ Assistants.
Are you interested in receiving MA program updates?
- Please fill out a MA Interest Card if you have not already done so and submit questions by emailing adulted@lakecoe.org.
- Additionally, PLEASE FOLLOW THE LAKE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION ON FACEBOOK for up to date information.
Our MA program runs seasonally, so it may take some time before you hear from us. Please don’t worry; your submission has been received and you haven’t been forgotten. We truly appreciate your patience and look forward to reaching out when the next session is getting ready.
PREREQUISITES / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To apply you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age by the time the program starts.
- Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent by the time the program starts.
- Pass a basic skills assessment (reading and math).
- Pass a drug screening and fingerprinting.
- It is highly recommended but not required that applicants complete a Medical Terminology class at a local community college prior to the program start or enroll in one concurrently.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
The Medical Assistant Program prepares and qualifies a student for certification in the full scope of practice as a Medical Assistant. To prepare for certification status, experience is required, therefore externships are arranged with local doctors' offices or clinics (February through May).
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and be able to sit for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Certified Medical Assistant exam. This is an independent, third-party organization that has certified over 350,000 medical professionals since 1989.
Students who attend the LCOE program are well-prepared, with a first-time certification test passing rate that's higher than average.
WHY ENROLL IN THE LCOE MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM?
- It’s the only program of its kind in Lake County, with a long history of graduating students who go on to become sought after and successful Medical Assistants.
- The intensive program format enables students to complete the program in nine months.
- Skilled instructors, who are Registered Nurses and License Vocational Nurses, with years of experience in the health care industry and the classroom, provide the program’s 500 hours of classroom instruction.
- The program’s 180-hour medical externship enables students to work in medical offices and clinics through Lake County. Externship duties may include administrative tasks such as answering phones, greeting patients, scheduling appointments, assisting with billing, and more. Clinical tasks may include preparing lab specimens, sterilizing instruments, and removing sutures. These hands-on learning experiences lead to greater understanding of program content, as well as potential job opportunities upon program completion.
PROGRAM FEE
Starting in 2023-24, the program fee is $4,550, which includes classroom instruction, textbooks, CPR certification, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, fingerprinting, drug screening, national certification exam, and ID badge and lanyard.
An initial $150 non-refundable deposit for fingerprinting and drug screening will be due for all accepted program participants. The remaining balance of $4,400 will be due prior to the program’s start.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance is available! Students in LCOE’s Medical Training Programs receive financial assistance from CalWorks, California Human Development, CareerPoint Lake, Department of Rehabilitation, Rocky Point Care Center, Scotts Valley Tribal TANF, employers in the medical field, and more.
ADDITIONAL STUDENT EXPENSES, NOT COVERED BY THE PROGRAM FEE, WILL INCLUDE:
- Physical Exam
- Tuberculosis Test (2)
- Vaccinations (TDaP / MMR / HepB / Varicella / Flu Shot / COVID-19*)
- Scrubs (dark / navy blue)
- Black or White Closed Toe Shoes
- Watch with Second Hand
- Black Fine Tipped Pens / Highlighters / Pencil
- Binder
- Paper/Cardstock/Poster board
CLASS TIMES
The program runs part-time between September and January. Class is held between 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The program runs full-time between February and May. Class is held between 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM every Tuesday and every Thursday. Externships in a medical office or clinic will be 8 hours during business hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
CLASS LOCATION
The Lake County Office of Education (LCOE), Hance Education Center located at 1510 Argonaut Road, Lakeport, CA 95453
Certified Nurse Assistant
Our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program prepares students to work in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. This hands-on program includes classroom instruction and clinical experience working with patients at . This three-month program is designed for working adults, with night and weekend classes. It is offered twice each year in Lakeport.
What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
Under the supervision of a health professional, usually a licensed nurse, a CNA provides basic nursing services to ensure the safety, comfort, personal hygiene, and protection of patients/residents in a licensed long-term, intermediate health care facility or hospital.
Why Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?
This is an in-demand career with many jobs available. Over 200 Certified Nursing Assistant new and replacement job openings are estimated to be available in Lake and Mendocino Counties.
The average salary for Certified Nursing Assistants upon program completion and certification is currently $18-$22 an hour in Lake and Mendocino counties.
Certified Nursing Assistants often go on to become Licensed Vocational Nurses and/or Registered Nurses.
Are you interested in receiving CNA program updates?
- Please fill out a CNA Interest Card or submit questions by emailing adulted@lakecoe.org.
- If you are a student and are interested in the next Youth CNA program please fill out a Youth CNA Interest Card.
- Additionally, PLEASE FOLLOW THE LAKE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION ON FACEBOOK for up to date information.
Our CNA program runs seasonally, so it may take some time before you hear from us. Please don’t worry; your submission has been received and you haven’t been forgotten. We truly appreciate your patience and look forward to reaching out when the next session is getting ready.
Prerequisites and Minimum Qualifications
To apply you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age by the time the program starts.
- Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent by the time the program starts.
- Pass a basic skills assessment.
- Pass a drug screening and fingerprinting.
What You Will Learn
The CNA Program focuses on patient care in a skilled nursing facility or hospital setting. Students who successfully complete the program will be able to sit for the state certification exam. Students who complete the program are well-prepared, with a first-time certification test passing rate that's higher than average.
Additional Student Expenses, Not Covered by the Program Fee, Will Include:
- Physical Exam
- Tuberculosis Test
- Vaccinations (TDaP / MMR / HepB / Varicella / Flu Shot/COVID-19*)
- Scrubs
- Black or White Closed Toe Shoes
- Watch with Second Hand
- Black Fine Tipped Pens / Highlighters / Pencil
- Binder
Program Fee
The program fee is $1,500, which includes classroom instruction, textbooks, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, fingerprinting, drug screening, state certification exam, and ID badge and lanyard.
A $150 deposit will be due for all accepted program participants upon program acceptance.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available! Students in LCOE’s Medical Training Programs receive financial assistance from CalWorks, California Human Development, CareerPoint Lake, Department of Rehabilitation, Rocky Point Care Center, Scotts Valley Tribal TANF, their current employers in the medical field, and more.
Class Times and Locations
- Theory classes are held Monday nights from 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Hance Education Center, 1510 Argonaut Road, Lakeport, CA 95453.
- Clinical classes on-site at a skilled nursing facility are held Wednesdays from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM and Saturdays from 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM.
Contact
Matt Russell
Director of Adult Education & Career and College Readiness
(707) 262-4171
adulted@lakecoe.org
Deni Dillsaver
Admin Assistant
(707) 262-4104
adulted@lakecoe.org
Updated January 2026