Take the First Step
Follow these two easy steps to start the admissions process.
Complete the Interest Form
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Connect With Admissions
Meet one-on-one with an admissions advisor to answer any questions you have about our programs, schedules, career outcomes, etc.
Schedule a call or stop by for a tour of our campus, classrooms, and labs.
Parents, guardians, or others you trust to help you make a decision are always welcome to join.
Choose from career-focused healthcare programs designed to prepare you for today’s growing healthcare field. Whether you’re looking for a short-term training program or an associate degree, HDMC offers hands-on learning to help you reach your career goals.
High Desert Medical College has campuses in Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Temecula, making quality healthcare education more accessible throughout Southern California. Visit a campus, meet our team, and see where your future could begin.
Getting started is simple. Most students will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of high school completion (or equivalent, if required), and to meet with an Admissions Representative to discuss their goals and program options. Requirements may vary by program.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify and may include federal aid, grants, scholarships, student loans, or flexible payment plans. Our Financial Aid team will help you understand your options and guide you through the process from start to finish.
Your success doesn’t stop at graduation. HDMC’s Career Services team provides resume assistance, interview preparation, job search support, and employer connections to help you prepare for your career. In 2024, HDMC graduates achieved an 85% job placement rate.*
Visit Our Campus
Your campus tour is designed to be informative, welcoming, and pressure-free. Parents, guardians, spouses, or others you trust to help you make a decision are always welcome to join.
Four Steps From Today to Your First Day
Once you decide which program aligns with your healthcare career goals, it’s time to take the next step toward your path to purpose.
Admissions
After your interview, you’ll go over the next steps for enrollment of your preferred program
Enrollment
Work with admissions to complete the enrollment process
Orientation
Attend orientation, complete any final documents, and prepare for your first day
Start Classes
Pick a morning or evening track and get your gear. Day one — you’re in scrubs.
Real Students.
Real Stories.
Celina M.
Clinical Medical Assistant
“I chose to pursue a career as a Medical Assistant because my son was diagnosed with level 2 autism, nonverbal, with behavioral health problems. Watching him struggle on a daily basis is what made me decide to join HDMC. I wanted to be able to help my son with his disability, be a role model for my daughter, and have a better future for all of us.”
Sharon P.
Veterinary Assistant
“Being in the VA program is better than I could have hoped for. I love the flexibility of the program. The hours help you be able to continue taking care of your family or working while bettering yourself. You learn the theory of the vet world and then you lots of hands-on practice. The farm gives you lots of experience with farm animals. The staff is amazing, and they take all the time to know who you are, and it makes school feel like family, who help encourage you and help you complete your program.”
Kelsey D.
Ultrasound Technician
“I chose the UT program at HDMC after being in the transportation industry for years. I knew that I wanted to go back to school for a career in the medical field, and I have considered being a sonographer for quite some time now. HDMC’s classes and schedule were perfect for me. Having instructors and classmates by my side to help along the way has led me to have a strong foundation to continue learning.”
Shalisa S.
Pharmacy Technician
“I chose to attend HDMC for the four words that I read on its welcome page: Your Path to Purpose. I was looking for my path, and through HDMC’s site, I found just that when I saw classes for Pharmacy Technician, which I was always curious about. So, I decided to take that leap of faith, and months later, while working towards my completion, I am glad that I did.”
Alaiza R.
Pharmacy Technician
“I had never heard about this school until my brother started attending the same program a couple of years ago. If I’m being honest, I was never interested in pharmacy or the medical field in general, but I’m glad I decided to try it out. Thanks to my excellent teacher, I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate the pharmaceutical field much more. I am incredibly grateful for my experience at this school.”
Ruby W.
Pharmacy Technician
“The main reason I chose High Desert Medical College is that it was an affordable option, and the classes lined up with my work schedule. As soon as I joined as a student, I soon realized that it was the best option I could have ever made in my life. I am extremely grateful for my teacher, this experience, and being able to learn at HDMC. They taught me to have a goal and keep going forward.”
Questions?
We’ve got answers. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Just ask!
High Desert Medical College has an open admissions policy, meaning most students can apply as long as they meet basic requirements such as having a high school diploma or GED (or qualifying through alternative pathways).
First, you’ll need to complete the interest form above. Then an admissions representative will reach out asap to start the interview process.
Once you meet with admissions, they will advise you on the next steps to apply to your selected program.
High Desert Medical College’s admissions process varies per program. After submitting your interest form, an admissions advisor will contact you to guide you through the next steps and help you enroll as soon as possible.
Most programs do not require standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT, though certain programs may have specific assessments or prerequisites depending on the field of study.
Yes. HDMC offers pathways to earn your high school diploma through partner programs or while enrolled in select career training programs. To learn more about these options, click here: https://hdmc.edu/hs-ecpp
Some of our degree programs, such as Advanced Placement RN, Magnetic Resonance Imaging AAS, Ultrasound Technician AAS, Cardiac Sonography AAS, Surgical Technology AAS, may require specific prerequisites like coursework in anatomy and physiology, Math/English readiness, entrance assessments, prior experience, etc.
But many of our short programs, like Clinical Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Medical Administrative Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Veterinary Assistant, and Sterile Processing Technician, do not require any prior healthcare experience or college coursework to enroll.
No, there is no fee to apply to High Desert Medical College. However, there is a registration fee included in the enrollment process. For the most up-to-date details on fees and requirements, visit our school catalog.
Yes. You can visit our campus anytime during business hours. No appointment is required. You can also schedule a call with admissions or take a virtual tour HERE.
HDMC offers continuous enrollment for many programs, meaning you can start throughout the year rather than waiting for a traditional semester schedule.
Yes, our financial aid team helps assist students with the application process for federal financial aid (including FAFSA) and walks you through your options during the admissions process.