Medical Assistant Schools in Oregon
Have you been looking for a new career that will let you work in a professional healthcare environment without spending a lot of time in school? If so, you may want to consider becoming a medical assistant. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon is an excellent place in which to become a medical assistant, since the state ranks above average for the employment of medical assistants and in the top tier for medical assistant salaries. The Bureau reports that there are currently between 7,160 and 13,860 medical assistants working in Oregon. In addition, the BLS reports that the average medical assistant salary in the state is between $32,400 and $39,610, well above the national average for the profession.
Before you can enter this remarkable career field, you must get the proper training and education. If you intend to become a Certified or Registered Medical Assistant, you must choose a program that is accredited through the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Only graduates of programs with these accreditations can take the certification examinations. Although certification is not a requirement to work in medical assisting, getting this credential can help you get hired for the best jobs and can also open the door to higher earnings.
Central Oregon Community College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $7,060
- Program: Certificate
- Central Oregon Community College, located in Bend, has an accredited certificate program in medical assisting that can be completed in just 18 months of full-time study. COCC was founded in 1949 as part of the Bend School District and has developed over the years to serve almost 18,000 students each year. Students who choose COCC enjoy a low student-faculty ration of 24:1 as well as an impressive array of resources and support services. These include computer labs, tutoring, multicultural activities, sports, student clubs and organizations, and much more.
Clackamas Community College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $6,166
- Program: Certificate
- Located in Oregon City, Clackamas Community College has a medical assisting certificate that can be completed in only 33 weeks. Clackamas Community College cares for its students and shows it through a wealth of student services and assistance. Students who choose this school can benefit from textbook and childcare grants, assistance with food and personal care needs, student book exchange, calculator rentals and loans, and many other services to meet student needs.
Columbia Gorge Community College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $5,277
- Program: Certificate
- Columbia Gorge Community College has two campuses for student convenience and offers students an accredited certificate in medical assisting that can be completed in only 34 weeks. CGCC has been in business since 1977 and currently serves almost 5,000 students each semester. The medical assisting program prepares students to perform both clinical and administrative duties and provides hands-on training to ensure all graduates are fully prepared for the workforce.
Concorde Career College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $14,545
- Program: Diploma
- Concorde Career College, located in Portland, offers a diploma in medical assisting that is CAAHEP accredited. The medical assisting program at CCC takes only 30 weeks to complete and includes all of the hands-on, clinical, and administrative training needed to work as a successful medical assistant in a physician’s office or other modern healthcare environment. Concorde offers a full range of student support services and resources, including special financial programs for military veterans. If you are looking for a medical assistant program that will fit your needs, this one is worth another look.
Everest College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $29,700
- Program: Diploma
- Everest College offers medical assistant training at its campuses in Portland and Tigard. Everest’s medical assisting program includes both clinical and administrative training as well as hands-on experience through an externship. The program can be completed in 60, letting you get to work faster. In addition to a full set of student support services, Everest offers students extra tutoring and assistance through Learning Centers to make sure all students have a chance to succeed. If you want to know what has made Everest such a widely-recognized name in career training, check it out for yourself.
Heald College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $20,560
- Program: Diploma
- At Heald College in Portland, students can earn a diploma in medical assisting in less than one year of full-time study. Heald has over 150 years of experience in providing higher education and career training. Students who choose this school get all of the training they need to work in a variety of healthcare facilities and to sit for the national certification examination. Heald also shows a commitment to student success by offering an impressive set of support services and campus resources. If you think Heald may be right for you, you can learn more by scheduling a campus visit or by sitting in on a class at no charge.
Lane Community College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $6,072
- Program: Certificate
- Lane Community College, located in Eugene, offers a one-year medical office assistant certificate that includes both front office and patient care training. The program includes a hands-on externship that allows students to practice their skills under supervision before hitting the job market. Lane College offers an amazing set of student services that include a free bus pass, housing location assistance, child care, a fitness center, health services, job placement, and numerous other benefits. In addition, the school has offices and divisions dedicated to serving the needs of special populations. If you are like many busy adults and need a school that will truly help you on your new career path, contact Lane College for further information.
Linn Benton Community College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition:
- Program: Associate’s degree
- Located in Albany, Linn Benton Community College provides students with a CAAHEP-accredited associate’s degree in medical assisting. Students at Linn Benton Community College have all the tools they need to succeed as students. The school provides help in locating childcare, transportation, and housing. It also helps students through advising, counseling, financial aid, and career services. The medical assistant program at LBCC offers small class sizes, high quality instruction, and everything students need to qualify for the Certified Medical Assistant examination. If you are interested in learning more about LBCC, request more information through the school website or schedule your personalized campus tour today.
Portland Community College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $4,258
- Program: Certificate
- Portland Community College has a nine-month medical assisting certificate that prepares students to go to work as highly qualified medical assistants. The program is highly competitive and accepts only 24 students each fall and spring term. The medical assistant program at PCC is the only program currently teaching through the Patient Centered Medical Home model, which promises to be the future of medical assisting. In addition to a high quality instructional program, students who choose PCCC can expect to receive individualized attention and full support every step of the way. Because the program is CAAHEP-accredited, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination, and 95% of medical assistant graduates from PCCC are currently employed in the field.