FAQs

CALRegional provides allied healthcare training programs in partnership with adult schools, community colleges, high schools, and the CalRegional Training Institute. The programs are fast, affordable, and designed to help students launch rewarding careers in healthcare, often in just a few weeks.

Most CALRegional partner adult schools are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The CALRegional Training Institute (CRTI), located in Stockton and Redding, is approved to operate under the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). All programs offered through our partner schools are approved by the relevant governing bodies, ensuring that students receive certifications that meet industry and regulatory standards.

For more information about accreditation and/or approvals, please call us at 800-927-5159.

CALRegional offers flexible learning formats for different schedules, learning styles, and program requirements. Whether you prefer hands-on classroom instruction, the convenience of online learning, or a mix of both, we have an option that works for you. Here’s how each format compares:

In-Person: These programs occur entirely on campus, where students and instructors interact in real-time during scheduled classes.

Hybrid: Hybrid programs combine online and in-person learning. Lectures are typically delivered online, while hands-on training and skills labs occur in classrooms. About half of the program is completed online.

Online: Online programs are conducted entirely over the Internet using a learning management system (LMS). Students can access course materials, track their progress, and communicate with instructors and classmates from anywhere.

You can enroll over the phone by calling (800) 927-5159 or online here. Enrollment is also available during our weekly info sessions.

To enroll in a program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Have no felony convictions (and no certain misdemeanor convictions).
• If you earned your diploma outside the U.S., it must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. For more information, go to Academic Evaluation Services.

Don’t have a high school diploma or GED? Through our partnerships with local schools, we may be able to help you earn one for free. Contact us to learn more.

No experience is necessary for most programs, except:

• EKG Technician Program: Requires previous completion of a healthcare training program or healthcare experience.
• Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Program: Previous healthcare or front office experience is recommended, though not required.

For more information, please call us at (800) 927-5159 to see how we can assist you.

Yes. We offer interest-free payment plans, and everyone qualifies.

To get started, you’ll make a small deposit during enrollment to reserve your spot in the class. The remaining balance can be paid over 3 to 6 months, depending on your program’s length.

A credit or debit card is required to set up automatic monthly payments. It’s a simple and flexible way to invest in your future without taking on debt.

To withdraw from a program, students must first receive approval from the Chief Academic Officer. The process includes two required steps:

1. Complete the online withdrawal form
2. Speak with an academic advisor

You will not be officially withdrawn until you receive an email confirming your withdrawal has been approved. Follow this link to start the withdrawal process.

If your withdrawal is approved and you’re eligible for a refund, it will be processed within 30 days of receiving your online withdrawal form.

Refunds are issued based on your original payment method:

• Credit card payments will be refunded to the same card.
• If the original card is closed or invalid, the refund will still be issued to that card.

Please note: The class deposit, along with the costs for textbooks, uniforms, background checks, drug tests, and basic supplies, is non-refundable and remains the student’s responsibility.

The school reserves the right to cancel or postpone a program due to low enrollment.

If your program is canceled and we cannot place you into another session, you’ll receive a full refund, including your registration fee.

Students are responsible for purchasing their textbooks. Below is a list of books required by the program. These titles are available through major online retailers such as Amazon or directly from the publisher.

Medical Assisting

• Medical Assisting: Administrative and Clinical Competencies 9th Edition

Phlebotomy

• Phlebotomy Essentials with Navigate Premier Access 8th Edition

Pharmacy Technician

• Mosby’s Pharmacy Technician: Principles and Practice 6th Edition
• Mosby’s Pharmacy Technician: Principles and Practice 6th Edition Workbook

EMT

• Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured Essentials Package 12th Edition
• Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured Student Workbook 12th Edition

Billing And Coding Specialist

• Buck’s Step-by-Step Medical Coding, 2024 Edition
• Medical Terminology for Health Professions, 8th Edition
• CPT Professional 2024
• ICD-10-CM 2024: The Complete Official Codebook
• HCPCS 2024 Level II Professional

EKG

• Hartman’s Complete Guide for the EKG Technician, 2e

Yes. Uniform requirements vary by program. Please review the guidelines below to ensure you’re prepared on your first day of class and all classes thereafter.

Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, & Patient Care Technician Students:

• Required: Navy blue scrubs and leather-upper closed-toed shoes
• Also acceptable: Clean white athletic shoes
• Not allowed: Clogs, sandals, or shoes with openings

EMT Students:

• Required: Navy blue EMT pants, light blue shirt, and black steel-toe boots

Medical Billing & Coding & EKG Students:

• Required: Professional attire or navy blue scrubs

Some programs require students to purchase basic medical tools before class begins. Please review the required items below:

Clinical Medical Assistant Program

• Stethoscope and blood pressure cuff kit

EMT Program

• Stethoscope and blood pressure cuff kit 
• Safety sheer and pen light kit

To become nationally certified, you must pass a certification exam administered by a recognized organization. Exams are typically held on or near the last day of class, and your instructor will provide detailed instructions on how to register and prepare.

The certification organization depends on your program:

AMCA (American Medical Certification Association)

• Phlebotomy Technician Program
• Clinical Medical Assistant Program
• EKG Technician Program

NHA (National Healthcareer Association)

• Pharmacy Technician Program
• Patient Care Technician Program
• Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Program

NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians)

• EMT Program

Yes. Your tuition includes one attempt at the certification exam. You must take it on the assigned date to receive it at no charge.

If you miss your scheduled exam date, you must reschedule and pay for the exam yourself.

If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you are responsible for paying any additional attempts and associated fees.

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
• Only car keys and a valid ID are allowed in the exam room.
• The exam will begin on time; late arrivals will not be accommodated.

You should receive your test results within 48 hours after taking the exam. CALRegional does not receive test results directly.

If you do not receive your results or have questions, contact the exam provider:

• AMCA: (973) 582-1800
• NHA: (800) 499-9092
• NREMT: (614) 888-4484

Certification and licensure are both credentials that prove your qualifications, but they serve different purposes and are issued by different authorities.

• Certification is a national credential awarded after passing a professional exam through an organization like the AMCA, NHA, or NREMT. It demonstrates that you’ve met industry standards for knowledge and skills in your field.

• Licensure is a state-issued credential legally required to work in certain roles. Licensure typically involves submitting your national certification, proof of training, and other documentation to a state agency.

In short, certification proves you’re qualified; licensure grants you legal permission to work in a regulated profession within a specific state.

To work as a phlebotomist in California, you must obtain both national certification and a state license through Laboratory Field Services (LFS), a division of the California Department of Public Health.

Step 1: National Certification

• Pass the certification exam administered by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
• After passing the exam, you’ll receive your AMCA Certificate within 2–3 weeks
  

Step 2: California State Licensure

• Submit your AMCA exam results, certificate, and externship documentation (provided as part of your training, if required) to LFS

Follow the application instructions provided here to complete the licensure process.

California does not require state licensure for medical assistants. However, many employers require national certification.

After completing your medical assistant training and receiving a certificate of completion, you’ll be eligible to take a national certification exam.

How to Get Nationally Certified:

• Pass the certification exam administered by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
• After passing, you’ll receive your AMCA Certificate within 48 hours

To work as a pharmacy technician in California, you must apply for licensure through the California State Board of Pharmacy. No exam is required, but you must submit specific documentation to complete your application. Once approved, you will receive your Pharmacy Technician Registration card.

Follow the application instructions provided here to complete the licensure process.

To work as an EMT in California, you must first become nationally certified by passing the cognitive and psychomotor exams administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

• Both exam components are valid for up to 12 months, provided all other NREMT requirements are met.
• For step-by-step instructions, click here.

Students who pass the exam may apply for state licensure through the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.

An externship is a learning opportunity that allows students to practice skills they have learned while in class in a professional environment. Externships are unpaid and generally full-time, Monday through Friday. For more information on externships, check out our most-asked questions here. Note: Not all programs require an externship.

To qualify for externship placement, you must submit all required documents to your instructor by midterm. Students who complete their prerequisites on time receive priority placement.

• Background check and drug screening
• Resume
• Proof of immunizations, including:
  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles/Mumps, Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Tuberculosis (PPD-Skin/Chest x-ray within the last 12 months)
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria
  • Influenza Vaccine (required during flu season)
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers) – Included in program fee

To be eligible for externship placement, you must meet the following requirements:

• Complete the classroom portion of your program
• Fulfill all financial obligations according to your enrollment and payment plan agreements
• Submit all required externship prerequisites as listed above

The Externship Booklet is your guide to completing your externship. It includes important instructions, expectations, and documentation you’ll need throughout the experience. Be sure to bring your booklet to both the class and your externship site.

Click the links below to download the booklet for your program:

• Medical Assistant 
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Pharmacy Technician
• Emergency Medical Technician

Yes, we offer promotional discounts and special codes throughout the year.

Please note:

• Discounts are non-transferable and cannot be combined with other offers
• Promo codes must be used before their expiration date
• Each offer is subject to its own terms and conditions

Be sure to check with our admissions team or follow us on social media to stay updated on current promotions!

Yes! CALRegional offers tuition assistance for active military, veterans, and military spouses. Terms and conditions apply. Visit this page for more information.

For more information, call CALRegional at (800) 927-5159 to verify your eligibility.

Employees who work at an active CALRegional externship site are eligible for a $500 discount on healthcare training programs.

To qualify, you must:

• Be currently employed at a CALRegional externship site
• Provide proof of employment, such as a recent pay stub

Note: An “active” externship site is one that has accepted a CALRegional student within the past six months.

For more information or to verify your eligibility, please call us at (800) 927-5159.