Medical Office Manager Programs in Los Angeles, California
Becoming a Medical Office Manager (CPPM) in Los Angeles, California
Exploring a career as a Medical Office Manager in Los Angeles, California, opens the door to a dynamic field at the intersection of patient care and healthcare business operations. Medical Office Managers—often known as Certified Physician Practice Managers (CPPMs)—play a critical role in overseeing daily practice operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing staff, and supporting quality patient care. Whether you are searching for your first healthcare administration role or seeking to advance your career with formal certification, Los Angeles offers a wealth of education, training, and employment opportunities.
This guide covers the different education paths, regulatory requirements, local resources, and steps to earn your Medical Office Manager certification (CPPM) in Los Angeles. It is designed to support aspiring professionals as they navigate the journey from training to certification and employment in one of California’s largest healthcare markets.
About Los Angeles
Los Angeles, located in Los Angeles County, is the largest city in California and a global hub for healthcare, education, entertainment, and technology. Known for its iconic neighborhoods such as Downtown LA, Westwood, and Koreatown, the city is home to top-ranked hospitals and a broad spectrum of healthcare organizations. For more information about city resources, visit the official Los Angeles city website.
Medical Office Manager Training Programs in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles boasts several respected institutions offering programs in healthcare administration, medical office management, and related fields. These programs equip students with the skills needed for success in medical practice management, including regulatory compliance, financial operations, human resources, and electronic health records (EHR) management.
1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA Extension) – Westwood
- Program: Healthcare Administration Certificate
- Description: UCLA Extension’s Healthcare Administration Certificate covers medical office management principles, healthcare finance, and regulatory issues. It is suitable for aspiring Medical Office Managers and those seeking CPPM preparation.
- Location: Westwood neighborhood
- Learn more: UCLA Extension Healthcare Administration
2. Los Angeles City College (LACC) – East Hollywood
- Program: Medical Office Assistant/Manager Certificate of Achievement
- Description: LACC offers a certificate program focused on medical office management, billing, coding, and front office operations. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for entry-level roles and further professional certification.
- Location: East Hollywood neighborhood
- Learn more: LACC Medical Office Assistant
3. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) – El Sereno
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Description: CSULA’s bachelor’s program prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare administration, including medical office management. The curriculum covers healthcare law, information systems, and practice management.
- Location: El Sereno neighborhood
- Learn more: CSULA Healthcare Administration
If you reside outside Los Angeles city limits, consider neighboring programs such as the Healthcare Management Certificate at California State University, Northridge (approximately 20 miles from Downtown LA).
Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to some of the nation’s most prominent healthcare employers, offering a wide range of opportunities for certified Medical Office Managers. Below are major organizations where Medical Office Managers can find employment, along with links to their official careers pages.
Kaiser Permanente – Multiple Locations
- Description: The largest managed care organization in California, offering roles in practice management, operations, and compliance.
- Careers: Kaiser Permanente Careers
- Locations: Hollywood, Baldwin Hills, West Los Angeles
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center – Beverly Grove
- Description: A leading academic medical center known for its research and patient care, with administrative positions in clinic management and supervision.
- Careers: Cedars-Sinai Careers
- Location: Beverly Grove neighborhood
UCLA Health – Westwood and Santa Monica
- Description: University-affiliated health system offering diverse roles in ambulatory care and practice administration.
- Careers: UCLA Health Careers
- Locations: Westwood, Santa Monica
For additional public health-related opportunities, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Career Portal lists openings in county-run clinics and administrative offices.
Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs
Admission requirements for Medical Office Manager or healthcare administration programs in Los Angeles typically include:
- Education: High school diploma or GED; some programs require prior college coursework or a degree.
- Age: Minimum age of 18.
- Experience: Entry-level certificate programs may have no experience requirement; advanced or certification-focused programs often recommend 1–2 years of healthcare or administrative experience.
- Additional Requirements: Some schools may require placement tests, background checks, or proof of immunizations, especially if clinical site visits are part of the curriculum.
Check each school’s program page for specific prerequisites.
Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers
Certification enhances employability and demonstrates mastery of medical practice management. The Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) credential, awarded by the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders), is widely recognized among employers in Los Angeles and nationwide.
CPPM Certification Overview
- Eligibility: Recommended minimum of 2 years of healthcare experience; knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology.
- Exam: 135 multiple-choice questions; 4 hours to complete; passing score of 70% or higher.
- Exam Content: Insurance plans, healthcare business processes, compliance, revenue cycle management, human resources, EHR management.
- Maintenance: 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every 2 years; active AAPC membership is required.
Other relevant certifications include the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) from Practice Management Institute and Healthcare Financial Management certifications for those interested in finance-focused roles.
California-specific regulations may require additional training in public health compliance and privacy laws, especially for managers working with Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program). For more information on healthcare facility licensing, visit the California Department of Public Health.
Get Started Today
A career as a Medical Office Manager in Los Angeles offers the opportunity to lead in a fast-paced, impactful healthcare environment. Whether you are starting your journey or ready to pursue certification, local schools and professional organizations provide the resources you need to succeed. Take the next step by researching training programs, reviewing prerequisites, and reaching out to schools using the forms on this page. Your future in healthcare administration starts now.
For more information on job outlook and salary trends, consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Medical and Health Services Managers.