Medical Office Manager Programs in San Francisco, California

Becoming a Medical Office Manager (CPPM) in San Francisco, California

Considering a career as a Medical Office Manager in San Francisco, California can open doors to impactful roles in healthcare administration. Medical Office Managers, also known as Certified Physician Practice Managers (CPPM), are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of medical practices, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, managing staff, patient billing, and supporting efficient clinical workflows.

There are multiple educational pathways to becoming a Medical Office Manager. Some professionals earn a certificate or associate degree in healthcare administration, while others pursue bachelor’s degrees or specialized training programs focused on medical practice management. Earning the CPPM credential from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a recognized way to demonstrate expertise and advance in this career.

This guide explores local training programs, employment opportunities, prerequisites, and certification requirements for aspiring Medical Office Managers in San Francisco.

About San Francisco

San Francisco is a major cultural and economic hub on the West Coast, known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission District, and its position as a leader in healthcare innovation. As the consolidated city-county of San Francisco, the area blends urban amenities with proximity to world-class medical centers and educational institutions. More information about the city can be found on the City and County of San Francisco official website.

Medical Office Manager Training Programs in San Francisco, California

While San Francisco is home to numerous higher education institutions, there are no programs specifically titled “Medical Office Manager” offered within the city. However, several programs provide relevant training in healthcare administration and medical office management, both online and within driving distance.

1. California State University, Fullerton – Medical Office Administration Training

• Location: Fullerton, CA (approx. 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles, about 400 miles from San Francisco)
• Program: Medical Office Administration Training
• Overview: This comprehensive program prepares students for the CPPM exam and other credentials such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS). The curriculum includes hands-on practice with electronic health record (EHR) software, and exam vouchers are included.

2. California State University, San Marcos – Medical Office Administration Training

• Location: San Marcos, CA (north of San Diego, approximately 470 miles from San Francisco)
• Program: Medical Office Administration Training
• Overview: This online program offers study materials, AAPC membership, and exam vouchers for the CPPM and related certifications. It provides foundational knowledge in healthcare business processes, compliance, and practice management.

3. Charter Oak State College – Physician Practice Management Certificate

• Location: Fully online
• Program: Physician Practice Management Certificate
• Overview: This 21-credit certificate program is designed to prepare students for the CPPM or Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) exams. Coursework covers healthcare finance, regulatory agencies, electronic health records, law, and physician practice management.

Note: If in-person programs are desired, prospective students may need to consider relocating or opt for online training options. All listed programs are accessible to San Francisco residents via online study.

Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in San Francisco

San Francisco hosts a wide array of healthcare organizations where Medical Office Managers play a critical role. Major healthcare employers include:

• UCSF Health

  • UCSF Health Careers
  • Location: Parnassus Heights, Mission Bay, and other neighborhoods
  • Overview: UCSF is a leading academic medical center known for advanced patient care and research. It offers a broad spectrum of employment opportunities in practice management, administration, and operations.

• Sutter Health – California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC)

  • CPMC Careers
  • Location: Multiple campuses including Pacific Heights, Mission Bernal, and Van Ness
  • Overview: CPMC is part of the Sutter Health network and provides comprehensive medical and surgical services, employing numerous administrative and management professionals.

• Dignity Health – Saint Francis Memorial Hospital

  • Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Careers
  • Location: Nob Hill
  • Overview: Saint Francis Memorial Hospital is a community hospital offering a variety of outpatient and specialty care services. Medical Office Managers are vital to its daily operations.

Other potential employers include large physician group practices, outpatient clinics, and specialty centers throughout the city. Each of these organizations typically lists current openings on their official careers pages.

Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs

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

• Educational Background: High school diploma or equivalent (GED); some programs may require prior college coursework.
• Minimum Age: Generally 18 years or older.
• Experience: While not always mandatory, prior experience in healthcare administration or medical office settings is highly recommended—especially for the CPPM exam, which is designed for experienced professionals.
• Additional Requirements: Some programs may request a background check, admissions interview, or basic computer proficiency. Entrance exams are uncommon but may be needed for certain degree programs.

Prospective students should review specific requirements with their chosen institution before applying.

Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers

The most recognized certification for Medical Office Managers is the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM), offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Key CPPM Certification Requirements:

• Eligibility: Although no formal degree is required, significant experience in physician practice management is strongly recommended.
• Examination: The CPPM exam consists of 135 multiple-choice questions, covering practice management, compliance, HR, revenue cycle, and more. The exam is four hours long, and a passing score is 70%.
• Exam Delivery: Available online with remote proctoring or at approved test centers.
• Continuing Education: To maintain certification, CPPM holders must earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years and maintain AAPC membership.
• Renewal: Certification must be renewed every two years through CEUs.

Additional certifications relevant to practice management include:

• Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) from MGMA
• Certified Specialist Physician Practice Management (CSPPM) from HFMA

For a full overview of the Medical and Health Services Managers occupation, including nationwide job outlook, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics profile.

Get Started Today

Pursuing a career as a Medical Office Manager in San Francisco can offer rewarding opportunities in one of the nation’s premiere healthcare markets. Whether you choose an online certificate, a university-based training program, or direct preparation for the CPPM exam, the path to certification is clear for motivated professionals.

Begin by reaching out to a local or online school to discuss your goals and review enrollment options. Completing your education and earning certification as a Medical Office Manager is a strategic step toward building a stable and impactful career in healthcare administration.