Jeffrey Wade
Oregon offers a variety of opportunities for people to train as medical assistants, including online and in-person career programs. While Oregon does not regulate medical assistants, certification is highly recommended as it gives candidates an edge when it comes to employment. Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) offers a less-than-one-year medical assistant certificate program that prepares students for entry-level employment in a physician's clinic or other healthcare settings. OHSU also offers free entry-level healthcare career training for people from marginalized low-income communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant Programs in Oregon | Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC), Herzing, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) |
| Program Duration | 8 weeks, 1 year or less, 1-2 years |
| Cost | $126/credit hour, free |
| Certification | Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) |
| Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), Higher Learning Commission |
| Requirements | High school diploma or GED, associate's degree in medical assisting, 2-5 years of on-the-job training, CPR certification, HIPAA knowledge |
| Job Outlook | 5.3% growth expected between 2019 and 2021, 23.3% growth expected through 2032 |
| Median Annual Salary | $39,570 |
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What You'll Learn
Free entry-level healthcare career training at OHSU
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) offers free entry-level healthcare career training through its Building Bridges program. The program is a partnership between OHSU, AFSCME Local 328, United We Heal, and Unite Oregon, and it is funded by a Future Ready Oregon grant. The goal of the program is to help individuals build careers in high-demand healthcare roles and increase diversity in the healthcare workforce. While the program is open to everyone, people who identify as BIPOC or low-income are highly encouraged to apply.
The Building Bridges program offers training and certification in several healthcare professions, including Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Phlebotomist. The CNA program, for instance, prepares individuals for a career as certified nursing assistants in just eight weeks through in-person training at Mount Hood Community College and OHSU. The Dental Assistant program, on the other hand, offers certification in nine months. While the Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist programs do not specify the duration, they are expected to be similarly comprehensive and efficient.
To be eligible for the Building Bridges program, applicants must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and have experience working with the public. Applications for the program open two to three months before the training starts, and interested individuals are advised to check for updates regularly. Once a career pathway is chosen and an application is submitted, selected applicants will be contacted within two months for an interview. It is important to note that applicants should only apply for one pathway.
Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) also offers a less-than-one-year certificate program for aspiring medical assistants. This program provides technical standards and learning activities to prepare students for their chosen profession. OCCC's program also has an articulation agreement with the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), allowing graduates to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management. Additionally, Oregon is home to several other accredited medical assistant programs, including online and hybrid options, catering to different timelines and budgets.
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Oregon Coast Community College's less-than-one-year certificate
In the state of Oregon, medical assistants are a valuable asset to the healthcare industry. While CMA certification is not a legal requirement, those with formal training and certification are more likely to be considered for employment. Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) offers a Medical Assistant Less Than One-Year Certificate program for students interested in pursuing a career in this field.
The OCCC's National Certified Medical Assistant Program provides students with the technical standards and learning activities required to complete their chosen profession's curriculum and provide healthcare services. The program includes 41 credits, with a letter grade of "C" or better required in all courses. At least 6 credits must be earned at OCCC, and these must apply to the certificate requirements. The final 6 credits that apply to the certificate must also be earned at OCCC, although the department chair may waive this requirement if the student can demonstrate currency in the field.
The OCCC program prepares students for the challenges of the medical assisting (MA) profession, which is both physically and mentally demanding. Students will learn administrative and clinical duties, including scheduling appointments, keeping medical records, billing, and insurance coding, under the direction of a physician or other medical practitioner. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, as well as non-judgmental attitudes towards diverse populations.
To be eligible for the OCCC program, applicants must demonstrate a personal history compatible with being certified as a Medical Assistant. All applicants are required to check the Disqualifying Crimes and Potentially Disqualifying Crimes list and answer questions regarding their personal history. Failure to provide complete and truthful answers will result in denial of admission or dismissal from the program. Additionally, applicants with disabilities can contact Student Affairs to inquire about reasonable accommodations, which are kept confidential.
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Online and hybrid MA programs
There are several online and hybrid MA programs in Oregon. Here are some of the options available:
Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC)
OCCC offers a National Certified Medical Assistant Program that can be completed in less than a year. This program provides technical standards and learning activities to prepare students for their chosen profession in healthcare services. OCCC also has an articulation agreement with the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) for graduates of the Medical Assistant Program to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management.
Clackamas Community College
Clackamas Community College offers a year-long, closed-cohort program with in-person, online, and hybrid formats. The small class sizes ensure attentive instructors, detailed feedback, and thoughtful guidance. The program includes a clinical externship and prepares graduates for certification exams. It is accredited by the CAAHEP and the Medical Assisting Educational Review Board.
Portland Community College
Portland Community College's Medical Assistant Certificate program is CAAHEP-accredited and can be completed in just nine months. The program offers online, in-person, and hybrid learning modes, providing flexibility for students. The faculty members have all completed the program themselves, so they can offer first-hand insight and support to students.
Herzing University
Herzing University offers an online medical assistant program with eight-week-long courses, rolling admissions, and virtual student services. The program covers foundational medical knowledge, administrative proficiency, and professional ethics. Upon graduation, students qualify for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, which is covered by the school.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University offers an online and hybrid MBA program through its Ecampus. The program is designed to provide working professionals with career stability while pursuing their graduate degrees. The curriculum blends academic rigor and experiential learning opportunities to propel students' careers forward.
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CMA certification
To become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) in Oregon, individuals must complete a medical assisting program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). While insurance is not a requirement to enrol in a medical assisting program, it is advisable for individuals to have some form of health coverage during their studies.
The medical assisting programs in Oregon typically cover various topics, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical and administrative procedures, and pharmacology. The programs usually combine classroom instruction with hands-on training to provide a comprehensive education.
Upon completion of a medical assisting program, individuals can then sit for the CMA certification examination administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This certification is a nationally recognised credential that demonstrates a high level of expertise and proficiency in the field.
To be eligible for the CMA certification examination, individuals must meet specific requirements set by the AAMA. These requirements typically include graduating from an accredited medical assisting program or being close to completion, providing official transcripts, and submitting an application form. The examination fee is generally included in the application process, and individuals can schedule their exam at an approved testing centre in Oregon.
The CMA certification examination covers a comprehensive range of topics, including general, clinical, and administrative aspects of medical assisting. It assesses individuals' knowledge and skills in areas such as medical terminology, anatomy, patient care, pharmacology, medical law and ethics, and administrative procedures. The examination is often computer-based and consists of multiple-choice questions.
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RMA certification
To become a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) in Oregon, one must meet the requirements set by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Obtaining RMA certification validates one's knowledge and skills in the medical assisting field and is a widely recognized credential. Here is a step-by-step guide on achieving RMA certification:
Education and Training: Aspiring RMAs should start by completing a medical assisting program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers various medical assisting topics, including administrative, clinical, and general healthcare-related subjects. The duration of these programs can vary, but they typically last between one and two years, resulting in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
Eligibility for Examination: Upon completion of a recognized medical assisting program, individuals become eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination administered by the AAMA. This exam is a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge and skills acquired during one's education and training. It covers various topics, including patient care, medical administration, clinical procedures, anatomy, and physiology.
Exam Registration and Preparation: Aspiring RMAs need to register for the CMA examination by creating an online account with the AAMA and submitting the necessary documentation and fees. The AAMA provides a list of practice tests and study resources on its website to aid candidates in preparing for the exam. Candidates are encouraged to avail themselves of these resources and develop a structured study plan to enhance their prospects of passing the exam successfully.
Taking the Exam: The CMA exam is typically administered as a computer-based test at authorized testing centers. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, comprehensively covering various domains of medical assisting practice. Candidates are allotted approximately three hours to complete the exam. The exam employs Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), which adjusts the question difficulty based on the candidate's ability, ensuring an accurate evaluation of their knowledge.
Receiving Certification: Upon successfully passing the CMA exam, individuals become certified as Registered Medical Assistants (RMAs) and are entitled to use the credential of CMA (AAMA) after their name. This certification serves as a testament to their competency and professionalism in the field of medical assisting and is valid for 60 months (five years) from the date of initial certification or recertification.
Maintaining Certification: To maintain their RMA certification status, individuals must actively participate in the Continuing Education (CE) program facilitated by the AAMA. This entails earning 60 continuing education credits every five years to be eligible for recertification. By engaging in continuing education, RMAs ensure that they remain current with the latest advancements and developments in the medical assisting field, thereby preserving their competence and professionalism.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) offers free entry-level healthcare career training for people from marginalized low-income communities. The training is provided through the Building Bridges program, which is funded by a Future Ready Oregon grant.
To become a certified medical assistant in Oregon, you'll need a high school diploma or GED, an associate's degree in medical assisting, or two to five years of equivalent on-the-job training and experience. CPR certification and knowledge of and experience with HIPAA and patient privacy laws are also required.
Medical assistants in Oregon perform a variety of administrative and clinical duties under the direction of a physician or other medical practitioner. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, keeping medical records, billing, and insurance coding, while clinical duties can involve collecting blood, tissue, or other lab specimens, and preparing and administering medications.
There are several accredited medical assistant programs in Oregon, including Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC), which offers a less-than-one-year certificate program, and Herzing, which offers an online program with eight-week-long courses.
