Medical Office Manager Programs in Fontana, California

Becoming a Medical Office Manager (CPPM) in Fontana, California

Embarking on a career as a Medical Office Manager in Fontana, California offers an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic field that sits at the intersection of healthcare and business management. Medical Office Managers, also known as Certified Physician Practice Managers (CPPM), play a crucial role in ensuring that medical offices, clinics, and physician practices run smoothly, efficiently, and in compliance with both state and federal regulations.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the pathway to becoming a Medical Office Manager in Fontana, including local education programs, certification options, employment opportunities, and the steps required to launch a successful career in healthcare administration. Whether aiming for your first role in medical practice management or seeking advancement through professional certification, understanding your options is the key to success.

What Does a Medical Office Manager Do?

Medical Office Managers oversee the daily operations of medical practices, ensuring that administrative processes, patient scheduling, billing, compliance, and staff management are handled efficiently. They are responsible for:

Supervising administrative and clinical staff
Managing patient records and health information systems
Overseeing billing, coding, and reimbursement processes
Ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations (such as HIPAA)
Implementing office policies and procedures
Managing budgets and financial reporting
Facilitating communication between patients, medical staff, and external vendors

Medical Office Managers can pursue various education paths, including certificate programs, associate degrees in healthcare administration, and bachelor’s degrees in business or health services management. Professional certifications, such as the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), further validate a candidate’s expertise and are highly valued by employers.

About Fontana, California

Fontana, California, is a thriving city located in San Bernardino County, in the heart of the Inland Empire. Known for its diverse community, robust economic growth, and proximity to major highways, Fontana is home to several neighborhoods, including Downtown Fontana, Sierra Lakes, and Southridge Village. The city is recognized for its strong healthcare sector, excellent schools, and recreational amenities such as the Auto Club Speedway and numerous parks.

Fontana’s official website provides resources for residents, businesses, and visitors: City of Fontana.

The city’s strategic location near major metropolitan areas, such as Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ontario, offers residents access to a broad range of employment and educational opportunities, especially in the healthcare industry.

Medical Office Manager Training Programs in Fontana, California

Fontana itself does not have a large number of schools offering specialized Medical Office Manager or CPPM programs. However, several reputable colleges and training centers in the Inland Empire and nearby regions provide education in healthcare administration and medical office management.

1. Chaffey College (Rancho Cucamonga, ~10 miles from Fontana)

Program: Public Health Associate of Science for Transfer (AS-T)
Location: Rancho Cucamonga Campus – near the Victoria neighborhood
Description: Chaffey College offers an Associate of Science for Transfer in Public Health, which provides foundational coursework relevant to medical office management, including healthcare systems, public health fundamentals, and organizational leadership. This degree prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare administration and facilitates transfer to a CSU for further study.
Chaffey College Public Health Program

2. San Bernardino Valley College (San Bernardino, ~13 miles from Fontana)

Program: Administrative Professional – Medical Option (Certificate & AS Degree)
Location: San Bernardino, near the Downtown and Seccombe neighborhoods
Description: SBVC offers a Medical Administrative Professional program, covering medical office procedures, healthcare law, billing, coding, and electronic health records. This program is suitable for those seeking to enter or advance within medical office management roles.
SBVC Medical Administrative Professional Program

3. Riverside City College (Riverside, ~20 miles from Fontana)

Program: Medical Office Assistant (Certificate)
Location: Riverside, in the Magnolia neighborhood
Description: Riverside City College provides a Medical Office Assistant certificate focusing on medical terminology, healthcare office procedures, billing, and records management. While not a full management program, this certificate is a stepping stone toward a managerial career.
RCC Medical Office Assistant Program

Note: If you are seeking fully remote options or advanced degrees, consider programs such as the Healthcare Administration AAS from National Career College or the MS in Health Care Administration from CSU East Bay, both of which accommodate working professionals and distance learners.

Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in Fontana

Fontana and its neighboring cities host several major healthcare facilities and medical practices that routinely offer employment opportunities for certified Medical Office Managers and healthcare administrators.

1. Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center

Location: 9961 Sierra Avenue, Fontana (Downtown Fontana)
About: Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest healthcare providers in California, with a comprehensive medical center in Fontana. The facility offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, specialty clinics, and primary care.
Employment Opportunities: Kaiser Permanente regularly seeks qualified professionals for practice management, administrative, and supervisory roles.
Kaiser Permanente Careers

2. Dignity Health – Community Hospital of San Bernardino

Location: 1805 Medical Center Drive, San Bernardino (Shandin Hills neighborhood, ~12 miles from Fontana)
About: Dignity Health operates multiple facilities in the Inland Empire, providing acute care, outpatient services, and community programs. Their administrative and management teams are essential to daily operations.
Employment Opportunities: A range of administrative and management positions are available, including medical office management.
Dignity Health Careers

3. Loma Linda University Health

Location: 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda (~16 miles from Fontana)
About: One of the largest healthcare employers in the region, Loma Linda University Health includes several hospitals and outpatient clinics. Opportunities exist in medical office management, billing, compliance, and healthcare administration.
Loma Linda University Health Careers

These facilities, along with numerous private practices and specialty clinics in Fontana and the greater Inland Empire, represent excellent job prospects for Medical Office Managers.

Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs

Admission requirements for Medical Office Manager or healthcare administration programs typically include:

Education: High school diploma or GED
Minimum Age: Usually 18 years or older
Background Check: May be required, especially for positions involving patient records or billing
Entrance Exams: Some programs require placement tests in English or math
Work Experience: Not always required for entry-level education programs, but most certification exams (such as CPPM) recommend or require 1-2 years of healthcare or management experience

For advanced degrees (bachelor’s or master’s), additional prerequisites such as prior college coursework, a minimum GPA, or relevant work experience may be necessary.

Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers

Professional certification enhances employability and demonstrates a commitment to excellence in medical practice management.

Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) – AAPC

Certifying Organization: AAPC – American Academy of Professional Coders
Prerequisites: Although formal education is not strictly required, candidates typically have experience in medical office administration. AAPC recommends a strong understanding of billing, coding, compliance, and healthcare operations.
Exam: 135 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours, minimum score of 70% to pass
Cost: $399 for one attempt, $499 for two attempts (exam only); training courses start at $1,195
Continuing Education: 36 CEUs every two years to maintain certification

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) – Practice Management Institute (PMI)

Certifying Organization: Practice Management Institute
Prerequisites: Minimum of 1 year of experience in a medical practice (recommended)
Exam: 3-hour online proctored exam, passing score of 70% required
Cost: $375 (exam only); training courses vary by format
Continuing Education: Required for recertification; CEUs can be earned through PMI and related training

Additional Professional Organizations:

These organizations offer networking, continuing education, and further credentialing opportunities for healthcare managers.

Get Started Today

A career as a Medical Office Manager in Fontana, California is both attainable and rewarding, offering stability, advancement, and the satisfaction of making a real impact on healthcare delivery. By pursuing the right education, gaining relevant experience, and earning industry-recognized certification such as the CPPM or CMOM, you will be well-equipped to excel in this vital role.

Take the next step by reaching out to a local school or training provider. Begin your journey toward a successful career in medical office management—your expertise can make a difference in the lives of patients and the efficiency of healthcare organizations. Contact a school today to learn more about program details, admissions, and how to get started.

For more information on the job outlook for Medical and Health Services Managers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook page.