Medical Office Manager Programs in Long Beach, California
Becoming a Medical Office Manager (CPPM) in Long Beach, California
Exploring a career as a Medical Office Manager in Long Beach, California, opens the door to a dynamic blend of healthcare administration, leadership, and business operations. Medical Office Managers—often known by titles such as Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM)—play a central role in coordinating the daily operations of physicians’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities include overseeing staff, managing billing processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing patient services.
There are several education and training pathways for those considering this career. Some candidates pursue formal associate or bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration or business. Others opt for specialized Medical Office Manager certificate programs—preparing directly for credentials like the CPPM from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) from the Practice Management Institute (PMI). This guide provides an overview of local training options, certification requirements, and employment opportunities in Long Beach, California, helping you take the next step toward an in-demand healthcare management career.
About Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a major coastal city in Southern California, located between Los Angeles and Orange County. Known for its bustling port—the Port of Long Beach—this city features diverse neighborhoods such as Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, and Downtown. Long Beach is home to California State University, Long Beach, and offers a thriving healthcare sector supported by its large population and proximity to greater Los Angeles. For more information about the city, visit the official Long Beach city website.
Medical Office Manager Training Programs in Long Beach, California
Long Beach offers several options for individuals seeking Medical Office Manager training or healthcare administration programs. While there are limited programs specifically titled “Medical Office Manager” within the city, nearby institutions provide strong alternatives. Here are three local and regional options:
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) – Health Care Administration Programs
Located in the heart of Long Beach, CSULB’s College of Health and Human Services offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in healthcare administration. The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program is AUPHA-certified and CAHME-accredited, providing a comprehensive foundation in healthcare management, business principles, and healthcare policy. Graduates are well-prepared for management roles in medical offices and healthcare organizations. More details are available on the CSULB Health Care Administration program page.
Coconino Community College – Online Medical Office Manager Certification Training
While based in Arizona, Coconino Community College offers a fully online Medical Office Manager certification program accessible to Long Beach residents. This program prepares students for several national certifications, including the CPPM, and covers topics such as medical terminology, electronic health records, and healthcare office software. Flexible start dates and online coursework make it suitable for working adults. Learn more about the Medical Office Manager program.
El Camino College – Medical Office Assistant/Health Care Office Certificate
Located approximately 15 miles northwest of Long Beach in Torrance, El Camino College offers a Medical Office Assistant Certificate designed for entry-level administrative roles in healthcare settings. The program includes courses in medical office procedures, billing, coding, and health information management, which are excellent stepping stones toward medical office management. See the El Camino College Medical Office Assistant program page.
If you are seeking a program with the specific “Medical Office Manager” title, online and neighboring community college programs are excellent alternatives.
Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in Long Beach
Long Beach is home to a robust healthcare sector with numerous large employers and healthcare facilities. Some of the major organizations include:
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center (Located in the Los Altos neighborhood)
A 420-bed hospital known for excellence in medical and surgical care, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is among the top acute care hospitals in California. The facility regularly posts administrative and management positions. Explore opportunities on their careers page.
St. Mary Medical Center (Located in Downtown Long Beach)
St. Mary Medical Center is a full-service, 360-bed acute care hospital offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital is part of Dignity Health, which provides a variety of employment opportunities in administration and office management. See current openings on the St. Mary Medical Center careers page.
Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services
This city agency employs over 300 people across nine sites and offers public health administration roles, including positions in healthcare office management. Visit the Long Beach Health and Human Services employment page.
Additional employers include Kaiser Permanente, which has multiple clinics and administrative offices in Long Beach, and LA Health, which operates county healthcare facilities throughout the region.
Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs
Before enrolling in most Medical Office Manager or healthcare administration programs, candidates typically need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- At least 18 years of age (some programs)
- Basic computer proficiency
- For degree programs, completion of general education or prerequisite courses may be required
- Some certificate or certification programs recommend (but may not require) 1-2 years of healthcare office experience
- Background checks may be necessary for internships or clinical placements
- For CPPM or CMOM certification, professional experience in a healthcare setting is strongly encouraged
Always check the specific requirements of your chosen program, as prerequisites may vary.
Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers
The most recognized credential for Medical Office Managers is the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Earning the CPPM demonstrates expertise in healthcare compliance, revenue cycle management, human resources, and information technology.
Key requirements for the CPPM include:
- AAPC membership
- Passing a 135-question multiple-choice exam (70% required to pass)
- Recommended at least two years of experience in medical office management
- Ongoing continuing education to maintain certification
An alternative credential is the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) from the Practice Management Institute (PMI), which covers similar areas of expertise. Additional relevant professional organizations include the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM), and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), all of which offer resources and networking for healthcare administrators.
For the most current job outlook statistics for Medical and Health Services Managers, refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page.
Get Started Today
A rewarding career as a Medical Office Manager in Long Beach, California, is within reach. Whether you are just starting your education or ready to pursue professional certification, local programs and reputable national organizations can help you achieve your goals. Explore the schools and resources listed above, and reach out to program advisors to find the path that fits your needs. Take the first step today—your future in healthcare administration awaits.