Weekend Medical Assistant Programs in San Diego

Looking for a weekend medical assistant program in San Diego that fits your schedule? Two local options stand out for their flexibility, hands-on training, and fast-track formats.

Dalrada Career Institute
10-week accelerated hybrid program with virtual classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and in-person labs every Saturday, plus a required 160-hour externship.
U.S. Colleges
16-week program with weekend classes and a flexible hybrid learning model, including 220 hours of instruction and an 80-hour externship.

Each school has its own strengths, depending on how fast you want to finish and what kind of schedule you need. Explore our detailed breakdowns of both programs to find the one that works best for you.

Browse Schools:

1. Dalrada Career Institute

Dalrada Career Institute offers a weekend-focused medical assistant program that blends online learning with live, in-person training. The program runs for 10 weeks of instruction (160 hours), followed by a 160-hour clinical externship, totaling 320 hours. Weekend students attend live virtual classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and meet in person on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Additionally, there are four optional Friday open lab sessions from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM for extra practice.

The curriculum includes both administrative and clinical components, covering topics like EHR documentation, billing and coding, vital signs, phlebotomy, medication administration, and performing EKGs. Students train with real lab equipment and gain exposure to diagnostic procedures and front office operations. Externships are assigned through the school’s network of clinical partners across San Diego and must be completed within three months of classroom training.

Tuition for the full program is $5,000, with payment plans available. Dalrada also provides access to scholarships and career prep support. Students are eligible to sit for national certification through NCCT, though certification is not mandatory for employment. The hybrid model and weekend schedule are ideal for those balancing jobs or other responsibilities, and Dalrada’s fast-track format allows for quick entry into the workforce.

Category	Description
Cost	$5,000
Program Length	10 weeks (160 hours instruction) + 160-hour externship = 320 total hours
Class Schedules	Tue & Thu (Virtual) 6:00 PM–9:00 PM; Sat (In-Person) 9:00 AM–5:30 PM; 4 optional Fridays (Open Lab) 9:00 AM–2:30 PM
Online Classes?	Yes – Hybrid format with virtual lectures and in-person labs
Locations	8787 Complex Dr Suite B100, San Diego, CA 92123 542 Broadway Suite T, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone	San Diego: (858) 278-9800 Chula Vista: (619) 745-6088

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2. U.S. Colleges

U.S. Colleges offers a 16-week Clinical Medical Assistant program with flexible weekend class options for students with weekday commitments. The program totals 300 hours, including 220 hours of classroom instruction and an 80-hour externship at a local clinic or medical office. Students can choose morning, afternoon, evening, or weekend sessions depending on availability.

Weekend classes provide hands-on lab simulations and focused instruction on vital signs, EKGs, administering medication, and assisting with minor surgical procedures. The curriculum includes medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, infection control, and patient communication. Training takes place through a combination of lectures, labs, and clinical experiences, using industry-standard tools like stethoscopes, syringes, and autoclaves.

The total cost is $3,480, which includes tuition, fees, and two sets of scrubs. Hybrid learning is available, with the option to complete some coursework online. The program runs on a rolling enrollment basis, making it easy to start quickly. Students receive a certificate upon completion and support with job readiness skills.

Category	Description
Cost	$3,480
Program Length	16 weeks (300 total hours including 80-hour externship)
Class Schedules	Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend classes available
Online Classes?	Hybrid format available
Address	2878 Camino del Rio South Suite 410, San Diego, CA 92108
Phone	(888) 388-7568

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Our Thoughts

Both Dalrada Career Institute and U.S. Colleges offer weekend medical assistant programs in San Diego that cater to students needing flexibility, but the best choice will depend on your schedule, learning style, and desired pace.

Accelerated Option
Dalrada Career Institute may be a better fit for students looking for a faster-paced option, with its 10-week accelerated program and structured hybrid schedule. The set class times on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, plus optional Friday lab hours, provide clear consistency while still allowing room for working professionals. The externship requirement is built into the timeline, and Dalrada’s clinical site partnerships across San Diego can help streamline placement.
More Affordable Option
U.S. Colleges, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option with a slightly longer timeline and greater schedule flexibility. With multiple time slots including weekends and a hybrid learning model, students can choose what works best for them. The 16-week format may also appeal to those who prefer a less compressed pace. The all-inclusive cost of $3,480 is about $1,500 less than Dalrada’s program, making it a more budget-friendly choice, and rolling enrollment helps students get started quickly.

We recommend reaching out to both schools to discuss current class availability, externship site locations, and financial aid or scholarship options. Speaking directly with admissions can help you confirm which program best aligns with your personal goals and schedule.