Jonathan BensonBakersfield, California, is quickly becoming an important destination for students pursuing careers in medicine and healthcare. While the city does not host a traditional standalone MD medical school campus, it offers excellent pre-med pathways, nursing programs, allied health colleges, and hospital-based training that prepare students for medical school, residency, and professional healthcare careers.
From affordable community college programs to university health sciences degrees and teaching hospitals, Bakersfield provides multiple routes into medicine—often at significantly lower costs than larger metropolitan areas.
Top 10 Medical Schools In Bakersfield And Fees
1. California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)
California State University, Bakersfield is the primary four-year public university in the city and a leading hub for medical and health sciences education. CSUB offers bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Public Health, and Nursing, which are popular choices for students on a pre-med track. The university also provides graduate-level healthcare programs including Nursing (MSN, DNP), Physical Therapy (DPT), and Public Health.
CSUB emphasizes clinical exposure, research, and strong academic advising, helping students build competitive applications for medical schools across California and the U.S. Partnerships with local hospitals allow students to gain hands-on experience while studying.
Estimated Fees:
- Undergraduate tuition & campus fees: $2,900 – $4,200 per semester (in-state)
- Graduate and professional programs: Program-specific pricing
CSUB is ideal for students seeking a reputable, affordable, and academically strong pathway into medicine while remaining in Bakersfield.
2. Bakersfield College
Bakersfield College is one of the most affordable and practical starting points for aspiring medical students. The college offers pre-med prerequisite courses, nursing programs (ADN), and allied health certifications such as EMT, phlebotomy, and radiologic technology preparation.
Many students complete their general education and science prerequisites at Bakersfield College before transferring to CSUB or other four-year universities. The college also maintains strong clinical partnerships with local healthcare facilities.
Estimated Fees:
- In-state tuition: Approximately $1,400 – $1,600 per year
- Program-related fees may apply for clinical courses
Bakersfield College is an excellent option for students looking to minimize costs while building a strong academic foundation for medical school or healthcare careers.
3. High Desert Medical College (Bakersfield Campus)
High Desert Medical College offers accelerated healthcare training programs designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the medical workforce. Programs include Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, and Nursing-related tracks.
The college focuses on hands-on training, small class sizes, and career placement support. Students gain practical clinical skills that can later strengthen applications to nursing schools or advanced medical programs.
Estimated Fees:
- Program tuition ranges from $20,000 to $50,000+, depending on the program
High Desert Medical College is best suited for students seeking fast, career-focused healthcare education in Bakersfield.
4. Carrington College (Bakersfield)
Carrington College is a well-known vocational institution offering healthcare programs such as Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, and Phlebotomy. The Bakersfield campus emphasizes real-world skills, externships, and employer-aligned training.
Programs are typically shorter than traditional degrees and are structured for quick workforce entry, making Carrington a popular choice for career changers.
Estimated Fees:
- Certificate and associate programs typically range from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on length and credential
Carrington College is ideal for students who want practical medical training without committing to a long academic path.
5. Unitek College (Bakersfield)
Unitek College provides nursing and allied health programs designed to meet California’s healthcare workforce needs. The Bakersfield campus offers structured programs with clinical rotations and professional licensing preparation.
Unitek is especially attractive to students interested in nursing careers that can later serve as a stepping stone to advanced medical or healthcare roles.
Estimated Fees:
- Nursing and allied health programs range from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on program length
Unitek College combines hands-on education with career placement assistance for long-term healthcare success.
6. North-West College (Bakersfield Campus)
North-West College offers vocational healthcare programs including Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy. The institution focuses on skill-based training, flexible scheduling, and fast completion times.
Programs are well-suited for students who want to enter clinical support roles quickly or gain experience before pursuing higher medical education.
Estimated Fees:
- Certificate programs generally range from $3,000 to $15,000
North-West College is a solid choice for entry-level healthcare training in Bakersfield.
7. Kern Valley Medical College
Kern Valley Medical College is a private healthcare training institution serving Bakersfield and surrounding communities. It focuses on practical healthcare education with smaller class sizes and individualized instruction.
The college is best for students seeking localized medical training and mentorship-focused programs.
Estimated Fees:
- Tuition varies by program and is provided upon inquiry
Prospective students should contact the institution directly for detailed tuition and financial aid information.
8. Kern Medical (Teaching Hospital & Residency Training)
Kern Medical is Bakersfield’s primary public teaching hospital and a crucial part of the city’s medical education ecosystem. While it does not grant degrees, it serves as a training site for medical students and residents, including affiliations with UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine.
Medical students complete clinical rotations here, and residents receive salaried training in multiple specialties.
Fees:
- Medical students pay tuition to their home medical schools
- Residents are salaried employees
Kern Medical is essential for students pursuing hands-on hospital-based medical training in Bakersfield.
9. Western University of Health Sciences (Bakersfield Pathway Programs)
Western University of Health Sciences offers pathway partnerships with Bakersfield College, CSUB, and Kern Medical to help local students transition into osteopathic medical education (DO programs).
These partnerships allow Bakersfield students to remain local during early training while receiving structured guidance toward medical school admission.
Estimated Fees:
- DO program tuition is paid after matriculation and is comparable to other U.S. osteopathic medical schools
This pathway is ideal for students seeking a clear, guided route from Bakersfield to medical school.
10. California Health Sciences University (Regional Medical School Option)
California Health Sciences University (CHSU) is a Central Valley-based institution offering a College of Osteopathic Medicine. While not located directly in Bakersfield, it serves many students from the area and provides a nearby option for medical education.
CHSU focuses on training physicians to serve underserved and rural communities—aligning well with Bakersfield’s healthcare needs.
Estimated Fees:
- Total DO program cost exceeds $200,000 for the full program duration
CHSU is a strong regional medical school option for Bakersfield students pursuing osteopathic medicine.
Conclusion
Bakersfield offers diverse and affordable pathways into medical and healthcare careers. Whether you are aiming for medical school, nursing, allied health, or clinical support roles, the city provides quality institutions, strong hospital partnerships, and cost-effective education options.
Starting locally allows students to reduce debt, gain valuable clinical experience, and build competitive applications for advanced medical programs—all while serving the Central Valley community.