Set in a simulated clinical setting, with supportive instructors and a team-centered approach, the COCC Medical Assistant (MA) program prepares students for high-demand, entry-level health care careers. Duties of MAs include recording medical histories, taking and recording vital signs, giving vaccines, and drawing blood. MAs are outpatient specialists also cross-trained to serve in administrative roles, from front-line patient support to maintaining electronic medical records.

"The Medical Assistant field is highly academic and skills-based, and gives almost as much diversity of where you can go as a nurse." — Dr. Marilyn Waller-Niewold, assistant professor of Medical Assistant

Requiring just four terms of training (prerequisites included), classes for this cohort-modeled certificate program are held in COCC’s state-of-the-art Health Careers Center. A new cohort of 32 students starts together each Fall term, culminating with a 160-hour, hands-on practicum with local medical offices. As a gateway to other medical training and professions, or a meaningful and essential occupation that contributes to the well-being of the community, the Medical Assistant programs at COCC offer a versatile, rewarding entrance into the world of health care.

"Once we got to blood draws, I think it hit all of us — we are going to rock the medical field! I’m truly impressed by the COCC instructors with how much they’re willing to accommodate students to be successful. They go beyond any other professor I’ve had to ensure we are granted that opportunity." — Kyala Franklin, COCC Medical Assistant student 

PROGRAMS

Medical assistants support health care providers in offices or clinical settings in a broad range of administrative and clinical skills. Duties might include taking a patient's medical history and vital signs, preparing patients for exams and medical procedures, or administering select tests or medications as directed by clinicians. Administrative duties may require maintenance of medical records, patient scheduling, knowledge of insurance regulations, and basic secretarial and receptionist skills.

Training Partnership with St. Charles Health System

A nine-month, noncredit Medical Assistant program training partnership between COCC and St. Charles Health System, based at the Bend hospital, offers hospital employees looking for career advancement both essential clinical experience and eventual employment opportunities. Tuition is covered by St. Charles, with instruction provided by COCC. Accepted trainees commit to working as a medical assistant for St. Charles Health System for at least two years.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam

The program's one-year certificate readies graduates to sit for their certified medical assistant (CMA) exam. While certification isn't mandated by Oregon law, it serves as the industry's de facto standard. COCC's exam passage rate is in the 90% range, compared to the national average which is in the 60% range.

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FUTURE STUDENTS

CAREER INFORMATION

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Career Paths for Medical Assistants

STUDENT STORIES

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Student and Alumni Stories

MEET OUR FACULTY

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Faculty Profiles

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763
www.caahep.org | 727-210-2350

Central Oregon Community College is accredited by:
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Ave. NE, Suite 100 Redmond, WA 98052
www.nwccu.org | 425-558-4224