Train-to-Earn Medical Assistant Program
Tuition-free medical assistant training in LA. Online coursework + 160-hour externship. Earn a credential and get a guaranteed employer interview. $1500 stipend provided during externship.
453 South Spring Street STE 400 #22, Los Angeles, CA 90013
2026 cohort enrolling; typically spring and/or fall enrollment
No experience required
Program Philosophy
Many talented young people are locked out of healthcare careers because training costs too much and the pathway is too complex. Propel America's train-to-earn model removes those barriers for young adults aged 18–26 in Los Angeles, offering over 700 hours of free, flexible medical assistant training through Cengage — earning college credit along the way. Fellows receive a personal career coach, a free laptop, and a stipend, then complete a 160-hour externship at a CCALAC clinic leading to a guaranteed interview for employment.
Started in 2019
Visit program website
Los Angeles County residents ages 18–26 with a high school diploma, interested in healthcare, not currently enrolled in college and do not hold a bachelor's degree
Asynchronous online coursework through Cengage; in-person skills labs scheduled periodically; regular 1:1 coaching sessions with career coach; after finishing online course work, complete a 160-hour externship at a CCALAC clinic
Industry-recognized medical assistant credential; tuition-free; guaranteed externship; career coaching; laptop provided; guaranteed employer interview; $1,500 stipend
Cost & Outcomes
This tuition-free medical assistant program covers all costs and provides free course materials. Earn a $1500 stipend once you finish the 6 month training and are entering into externship.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Tuition-free training with laptop and all course materials provided
160-hour externship at Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC) clinics with hire-track opportunity
Industry-recognized medical assistant credential
Personal dedicated career coach supporting fellows through training and for 6 months post-placement
Up to $1,500 stipend during externship
Emergency fund available for fellows who face personal challenges during training
Day in the Life
- Asynchronous online coursework through Cengage (self-paced, 700+ hours)
- Periodic in-person skills labs for hands-on clinical practice
- Regular 1:1 sessions with dedicated Propel career coach
- Peer cohort for mutual accountability and support
- All course materials and a laptop provided
- Certification exam prep integrated into curriculum
Experienced medical assistant instructors facilitate coursework; Propel career coaches provide individualized professional development and job readiness support
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam through NHA
100% pass rate
Highs & Lows
Managing a fully asynchronous, self-paced curriculum while balancing work or family obligations; meeting immunization and onboarding requirements; adjusting to clinical externship environment
Free training with a real credential at the end; a personal coach who actually knows your situation; guaranteed interview with an employer ready to hire; peer cohort for support
Employment Support
Industry Connections: Guaranteed interviews with CCALAC member health centers upon externship completion
Career Coaching: 1:1 coaching for resume building, interview prep, and credential guidance
Job Readiness Workshops: Professional development sessions covering workplace expectations, communication, and career planning
Post-Placement Support: Career coach support continues for 6 months after program completion
Certification Prep: Integrated exam preparation for industry-recognized MA credential
Hear From the Program
Medical Assistant program graduate
"The Propel program is an opportunity you don't want to miss. It's tuition-free. It's online. You get support. You can do it at your own pace. You don't get opportunities like this every day."
How It Works
1: Submit online application at propelamerica.org/apply
2: Complete a Pre-Screen Questionnaire about your goals
3: Interview with Propel Admissions staff
4: Complete onboarding paperwork (proof of high school graduation, FAFSA if applicable, vaccination records, and any required tax paperwork)
5: Attend welcome event with cohort and complete online professional development
6: Begin online coursework through Cengage
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.Yes, Propel programs are tuition-free.
There are also programs in Philadelphia PA, Newark/New Brunswick NJ, and Baton Rouge LA
The train-to-earn program is unpaid during coursework but offers a stipend during the externship (up to $1,500 total).
No — Propel provides a laptop, course materials, and lab supplies.
Propel does not ask for or consider immigration status in the application, but students must be authorized to work in the U.S. at time of enrollment.
Yes, Propel accepts applications for future cohorts. Reapplications not accepted if applicant was unresponsive to admissions staff.