Oregon is home to breathtaking mountains, refreshing rivers, and some of the world’s most beautiful parks. It is also home to over three million people and a booming healthcare industry. Students in Oregon have several accredited schools from which to choose, offering medical assisting training at every level from certificate to degree. If you intend to complete medical assistant training in Oregon and need a financial boost, check into programs such as the Oregon Opportunity Grant and the Oregon Rural Health Services Loan Repayment Program.
Oregon’s Employment Environment
Oregon is in the mid-range for employment of medical assistants, but is in the upper level for medical assistant salaries, according to data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary for medical assistants in Oregon is $32,500, making it one of the highest paying states in the country. For an advantage in landing the best paying positions, it is a good idea to become a Certified Medical Assistant. This certification shows employers that you are skilled and that you take your career seriously.
Outlook of Medical Assisting in Oregon
Although Oklahoma already has an excellent employment climate, the prospects are sure to improve even further. The healthcare industry is expected to grow by over 30% in coming years, providing an increased number of medical assistant positions as well as increased salaries and benefits. If you are thinking of entering the medical assisting profession, this is an ideal time to start your training.
List of Medical Assistant Schools in Oregon
Anthem College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: Anthem College in Beaverton offers a diploma program in medical assisting that can be completed in around a year and at an affordable price. The program includes knowledge and skills necessary for working in a medical front office as well as those required for providing patient care. Anthem offers a full range of student services including financial aid help and job placement services. Students who complete medical assistant training at Anthem are qualified to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: about one year
- Tuition: $14,759
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 79%
- Fun Fact: Students at Anthem may be able to benefit from flexible scheduling.
Everest Institute
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: At Everest Institute’s campuses in Portland and Tigard, students can earn either a diploma or an associate’s degree in medical assisting. Both programs prepare students to work as general medical assistants, performing front office and patient care duties. All instructors at Everest have industry-specific skills and real-world experience in the healthcare field. Students who complete this program will complete an externship in an established healthcare facility and will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma; associate of science
- Average Program Length:
- Tuition: diploma – $23,520;degree – $33,033
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: diploma – 56%; degree – 75%
- Fun Fact: At Everest, Student Finance Planners help students get the financial aid they need to pay for an education.
Central Oregon Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: Central Oregon Community College has campuses in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras, making it accessible to many aspiring medical assistants in the state. The college is the longest community college in the state and offers a certificate in medical assisting that can be completed in one year. This program includes administrative, clinical, and externship experience that prepares students to perform all of the necessary tasks of working in a medical facility. The CAAHEP accreditation means that students who complete this program can take the examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: 12 months
- Tuition: $6,361
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: COCC has a student to faculty ratio of 25:1.
Lane Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting certificate program
- Description: Lane Community College in Eugene offers a medical assisting certificate program that trains students to work in both the front office area as well as in providing patient care alongside other healthcare providers. The program can be completed in a year at a very reasonable price. Students who get medical assistant training at Lane get hands-on experience through an externship and enjoy a wealth of student support services. Upon graduation from this program, students can sit for the AAMA’s Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: one year
- Tuition: $4,707
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: LCC offers a variety of student resources that can help with child care, personal difficulties, and more.
Portland Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: Portland Community College has four campuses and is the largest educational institution in Oregon. At these campuses, students can earn a certificate in medical assisting in under a year. The medical assisting program at PCC includes clinical and laboratory training, front office operations, and externship experience. This program is an excellent choice for students who are looking for a quality, affordable program.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Average Program Length: less than one year
- Tuition: $5,500
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Portland Community College regularly schedules information sessions for interested students.
- Programs: certificate