Carrington College Santa Maria: What Students Should Know
Carrington College Santa Maria: What Students Should Know
Carrington College Santa Maria is a for-profit private college located at 303 Plaza Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454, offering career-focused healthcare training programs including Medical Assisting, Vocational Nursing, and Medical Office Administration. The 16,000-square-foot campus serves students from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara, with programs designed to prepare graduates for entry-level healthcare roles in as few as 9 months for certificate programs.
Campus Location and Contact Information
The Santa Maria campus operates with extended hours to accommodate working students, featuring a reception area, administrative offices, lecture rooms, computer labs, and specialized skills labs for hands-on healthcare training.
- Address: 303 Plaza Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454
- Phone: 345-2898
- Hours: Monday-Tuesday & Thursday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Wednesday 10:00 am-7:00 pm
- Facility Size: Nearly 16,000 square feet serving neighboring communities
Available Programs and Duration
Carrington College Santa Maria offers three primary healthcare programs with varying completion times and credential levels, all designed with hands-on clinical training and externship components.
| Program Name | Credential | Duration | Total Cost (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Office Administration | Certificate | 9 months | $18,500 (estimated) |
| Medical Assisting | Certificate | 9 months (36 weeks) | $20,116-$22,570 |
| Vocational Nursing | Associate of Science | 64 weeks | $46,844 |
The Vocational Nursing program began October 13, 2025, and is marked as a new program with completion and placement data becoming available after December 1, 2028. Medical Assisting students access equipment including Autoclave machines, EKG machines, and Injection Arm Trainers for clinical practice.
Accreditation and Institutional Status
Carrington College holds regional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC/WASC), a recognized accrediting body for higher education institutions in the Western United States.
- Institutional Type: Private for-profit two-year college
- Headquarters: Sacramento, California
- Alumni Network: More than 132,000 graduates nationwide
- Cohort Default Rate: 0% (most recent three-year cohort)
Regional accreditation is significant because it enables credit transferability and federal financial aid eligibility, distinguishing Carrington from nationally accredited for-profit institutions.
Tuition and Financial Aid Information
Tuition varies by program, with the Vocational Nursing Associate of Science program charging $46,844 for students completing on time in 2024, while Medical Assisting programs range from $20,116 to $22,570 depending on location.
Federal student loan data shows average debt of $14,512 for 2024 graduates who took out loans, with 0% cohort default rate indicating strong loan repayment performance. Financial aid options include grants, loans, and scholarships for qualified students.
"The mission of Carrington College is to provide career-focused baccurate degree, associate degree, and certificate programs in healthcare, trades, and industrial majors to a diverse population of students."
Campus Facilities and Learning Resources
The Santa Maria campus features specialized training spaces designed to replicate professional healthcare environments students will encounter in their careers.
- Skills Lab: Vocational Nursing students train with gurneys and mid-fidelity mannequins
- Simulation Room: Dedicated space for Vocational Nursing clinical practice
- Computer Lab: Available for all campus programs with computer access
- Library & Learning Resource Center: Support materials and research resources
- Student Lounge: Designated break area for students
Classrooms are equipped with essential tools and supplies to create interactive learning experiences mirroring hospital rooms, doctors' offices, and pharmacies.
Helpful tips and tricks for Carrington College Santa Maria What Students Should Know
Is Carrington College Santa Maria accredited?
Yes, Carrington College is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC/WASC), which validates the institution's educational quality and enables federal financial aid eligibility.
How long does it take to complete programs at Carrington Santa Maria?
Medical Office Administration and Medical Assisting certificates take approximately 9 months (36 weeks), while the Vocational Nursing Associate of Science program requires 64 weeks of study.
What is the total cost of the Vocational Nursing program?
The Vocational Nursing Associate of Science program costs $46,844 for students completing on time in 2024, though total charges may be higher for students who do not complete on schedule.
Does Carrington College offer financial aid?
Yes, Carrington College offers federal student aid including grants, loans, and scholarships for qualified students, with an average federal loan debt of $14,512 for 2024 graduates.
What healthcare certifications can I pursue after graduation?
Graduates are eligible to sit for certifications including Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) credentials depending on their program.
When will job placement data be available for the Vocational Nursing program?
Since the Vocational Nursing program began October 13, 2025, two full years of graduation and placement data will be available after December 1, 2028.
