Online Medical Assistant Programs in Oregon: Choosing a School
One of the most promising entry-level roles you can pursue in allied healthcare today is as a medical assistant. Across the country, job demand is expected to grow by 18% — and the Oregon Employment Department forecasts that medical assistant job openings will increase by 23.3% through 2032.
But which certification or degree program is the best fit for you? What resources are available to support your education and career goals? What makes one program stand out from the rest? We’ll help you navigate the diverse landscape of online medical assistant programs in Oregon and all they have to offer. Keep reading to learn how you can start your journey to becoming a medical assistant and play a crucial role in patient care.
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How They Work: Inside Online MA Programs in Oregon
If you want to become a medical assistant (MA) in Oregon, the first step is finding a program teaching medical knowledge, technical proficiency, and clinical skills. As online learning has become more widely used, even for clinical vocations, many MA programs have turned to online or hybrid formats to make your career transition as user-friendly as possible.
Although you can find fully online MA certificates, accredited programs and associate degrees usually require an externship where you will learn hands-on clinical skills. Even though you have nationwide choices for programs, choosing an Oregon-based online MA program makes it easier to find a clinical site close to home that can connect with your institution.
On top of location potentially being a factor, the program you choose will depend on which MA certification you hope to attain, your timeline, and your budget. The best way to explore your options is to compare available online MA programs in Oregon, consider your certification and career options, and get answers to other common student questions. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about becoming a medical assistant in Oregon.
Medical Assistant Certificate — Portland Community College
Portland Community College’s Medical Assistant Certificate program is CAAHEP-accredited and can be completed in just nine months. This program balances quality with speed, boasting an average 96.94% retention rate, 93.93% national exam passage rate, and 88.39% job placement rate. It is also extremely flexible, offering students the choice between online, in-person, and hybrid learning modes. The impressive faculty — all of whom have completed the program themselves — have first-hand insight into the student experience and a more profound ability to provide support, mentorship, and guidance.
PCC offers a wide range of benefits to students including a guaranteed admission process by completing prerequisites, flexible class delivery, paid externship opportunities, and more. If you’re looking for more information about PCC’s medical assisting program, their student handbook provides a more in-depth description of everything you need to know.
Duration: 9 months (3 terms)
Mode: Online, hybrid, or in-person
Cost: $7,700
Admissions Requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Health qualifications (including vaccine requirements)
- Academic prerequisites
Curriculum:
- Clinical Procedures: Learn how to perform venipuncture, blood pressure, EKGs, and injections.
- Administrative Tasks: Gain experience using an electronic health record system (EHR), scheduling appointments, and scrubbing a patient’s chart.
- Communication Skills: Practice using person-centered communication, working through communication barriers, providing trauma-informed care, interviewing patients, and practicing cultural sensitivity.
- Business Acumen: Learn about teamwork, professionalism, resume writing, interview preparation, and national exam prep.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Medical Assistant Pathway — Herzing University
Herzing University offers two hybrid medical assistant pathways: a 10-month diploma and a 20-month associate’s degree. For both pathways, students take online classes and participate in clinical labs and externships at one of Herzing’s affiliate sites. Clinical labs include meeting with a proctor at a healthcare facility or Herzing campus to demonstrate their medical skills mastery. Externships include 180 hours at a medical clinical or doctor’s office during the student’s final term.
With courses that are 8 weeks long, rolling admissions, and virtual student services (think academic advising, tutoring, career coaching, and library services), Herzing is a great choice for students who need a flexible and comprehensive option. Upon graduating, students qualify for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, and the school covers the exam cost. This program is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: 10-20 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $12,360-$30,900
Admissions Requirements:
- Possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Demonstrate the capacity to succeed in college-level courses
- Pass a drug test and background check
- Meet health and immunization requirements
- Complete an admissions interview
Curriculum:
- Foundational Medical Knowledge: Build a strong understanding of medical terminology and the structure and function of the human body through focused anatomy and physiology coursework.
- Administrative Proficiency: Develop critical skills for managing medical office operations, including scheduling, record-keeping, and insurance claims processing.
- Professional Ethics: Learn the ethical standards and professional behaviors required to excel in healthcare settings and maintain patient trust.
- Clinical Training: Demonstrate medical skills via clinical labs and gain hands-on externship training in a supervised healthcare setting.
Medical Assistant Certificate — Clackamas Community College
Move swiftly and expertly through your online medical assistant program at Clackamas Community College. This year-long, closed-cohort program accepts 24 students per cohort and offers in-person, hybrid, and online formats. Smaller class sizes guarantee attentive instructors, detailed feedback, and thoughtful guidance.
The program includes a clinical externship and prepares graduates for certification exams, as well as a curriculum accredited by the CAAHEP and the Medical Assisting Educational Review Board. With an affordable $126/credit hour cost, graduates can expect to finish their 45 credits in a year and begin their path toward working as a medical assistant.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: ~$7,500
Admissions Requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Relevant health and safety background (vaccination, TB status, criminal background, and drug screen)
- Course prerequisites (Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, one core math course, and one core English course)
- Two admission essays
Curriculum:
- Foundational Sciences: Gain a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology through introductory and advanced coursework, paired with foundational medical terminology to build a strong base for clinical practice.
- Medical Office and Administrative Skills: Learn how to handle administrative responsibilities effectively in healthcare (e.g., insurance and health information management).
- Clinical and Laboratory Techniques: Get hands-on expertise in examination room techniques, phlebotomy, and clinical lab procedures through progressive courses and practical lab experiences.
- Pharmacology and Body Systems: Study the relationship between body systems and pharmacology to understand how medications affect the human body in clinical contexts.
- Professional and Human Relations: Explore human relations and develop the professional skills needed to excel in patient interactions and team dynamics.
- Capstone Experience and Certification: Prepare for certification through focused review courses and a practicum that applies knowledge and skills in a real-world healthcare environment.
Student Help Center: Common MA Questions Answered
As you dive deeper into your search for the right online medical assistant program, additional questions may pop up. Sorting through things like prerequisites, networking opportunities, and funding can all make it difficult to know where to start and how to compare programs. Here we’ve gathered some commonly asked questions to help guide you in your search.
Do online medical assistant programs in Oregon have prerequisites, and is it difficult to be accepted?
Specific prerequisites will vary from school to school, so it’s important to check with each program that you are interested in. However, the most common prerequisites are being over the age of 18 and completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. Because of the clinical nature of externship learning, many programs may necessitate certain health and safety requirements, such as vaccination, TB status, criminal history, and drug screening. If you have questions about your personal history and circumstances, consider discussing your needs with an admissions advisor.
If you have the prerequisites needed for a medical assistant program, it’s likely that you’ll be a competitive candidate. Given the nationwide shortage of medical assistants, schools are eager to find qualified and motivated applicants to train for the field.
How can I network during my program, and does it matter?
Networking opportunities are a vital component of any educational program. Even if you are taking classes online and part-time, it’s possible to prioritize building relationships that will expand your network and further your career. You’ll want to use online forums and other communication tools to connect with classmates and instructors and consider building study groups, even virtually, to practice working as a team.
If you’re looking for additional networking opportunities, the Oregon Society of Medical Assistants (OSMA) is a professional organization that supports medical assistants through education, mentorship and more. They even offer certification exam preparation classes!
What funding is available for online medical assistant students in Oregon?
Many types of scholarships are available for medical assistant students. These can include school-sponsored scholarships or grants (free money!) to support the cost of attendance. You’re also likely to find financial aid close to home through local organizations or a state agency like Oregon’s Department of Education. Your current employer may offer tuition assistance, and many online medical assistant programs offer financing options to make payments more affordable. You will be eligible for federal student aid for degree-granting programs from an accredited university.
What is the average cost of an online medical assistant program in Oregon?
The cost of an online medical assistant program can vary greatly. Certificate programs are typically more affordable, some costing as little as $6,000 up to $13,000. Meanwhile, medical assisting degree programs can cost as much as $20,000. Portland Community College offers an affordable option at $133/credit.
There are many affordable online MA programs to choose from if you know what to look for. When you’re looking at cost, try to look both at the cost now and the possibilities later. Are you choosing a certificate program where you can apply your credits toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree later? Are you considering pursuing nursing or another area of allied health in the future, and if so, will this program support your transition to a new tier in the system? While the cost of a program may seem daunting, keep in mind the increase in earning potential you’ll have once you complete your training.
What subjects do medical assistant programs in Oregon cover?
Medical assistant programs in Oregon cover a broad array of topics to prepare you for a career in medical assisting, including a few core subjects. You can expect to learn about Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Administrative Medical Assisting, Physical Exam Techniques, Phlebotomy, and Clinical Lab procedures. Degree-granting programs will also have other courses, often core prerequisites like math and English/composition, and some electives. Most programs will cover content relevant to the certification exams for the NHA (Clinical Certified Medical Assistant) or AAMA (Clinical Medical Assistant), two of the most common and nationally recognized credentials.
Medical Assistant Certifications in Oregon
Becoming a certified medical assistant in Oregon is a rewarding journey that demands a strategic approach. To launch your career successfully, you can prepare to pass your certification exam after completing your clinical externship and graduating from an accredited program. First, you must follow a series of essential steps, each of which can significantly impact your ability to earn and maintain your certification.
There are two widely recognized national exams — the Clinical Certified Medical Assistant from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the Certified Medical Assistant from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). These rigorous examinations evaluate your proficiency in clinical and administrative tasks. While certification isn’t necessarily required for medical assistant jobs in Oregon, it can help you stand out among other candidates and land higher-paying positions.
Maintaining your certification requires periodic renewal and continuing education. Keeping up with these requirements ensures that your skills and knowledge remain current. You will typically need to earn a certain number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for each licensing cycle, usually five years, or must retake the certification exam if your certification lapses.
Career & Salary Info for Medical Assistants in Oregon
Oregon is an exceptional state for medical assistants, combining competitive salaries with a strong growth outlook. Statewide, the median salary is $48,350, well above the national median for this field. Entry-level professionals earn $39,350, while those in the top 10% can make as much as $59,390. Portland leads the state with a 90th-percentile salary of $60,490, reflecting the higher demand and living costs in this bustling metro area. Smaller cities like Salem and Medford still offer impressive median salaries in the $46,000 to $48,000 range, making them attractive options for those balancing career goals with affordability.
The career prospects in Oregon are equally impressive. With a projected 21.4% growth rate, far outpacing the national average of 13.8%, the state will see 2,560 new medical assistant positions by 2030. On average, 1,940 openings will be available each year, ensuring opportunities for both new graduates and experienced professionals. Whether you’re drawn to the urban energy of Portland or the scenic charm of Bend-Redmond, Oregon offers a thriving job market in healthcare. Dive into the data below for a closer look at what awaits you.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 11,960 | 14,520 | 2,560 | 21.40% | 1,940 |
| 1 – United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| Salem, OR | $39,550 | $47,620 | $58,150 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $40,880 | $49,850 | $60,490 |
| Medford, OR | $38,700 | $46,570 | $56,710 |
| Grants Pass, OR | $38,200 | $45,310 | $55,450 |
| Eugene, OR | $37,850 | $47,030 | $59,000 |
| Corvallis, OR | $38,950 | $45,590 | $54,350 |
| Bend-Redmond, OR | $40,580 | $48,220 | $59,120 |
| Albany, OR | $39,550 | $47,520 | $59,130 |
| Oregon | $39,350 | $48,350 | $59,390 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Oregon’s Top Online Medical Assistant Programs
To help further narrow down your online MA program options, we’ve used a rigorous methodology to rank Oregon’s top programs. We use stringent criteria to determine our “Best Programs,” including institutional accreditation, the presence of an online component, available student services (e.g., academic counseling and career placement), tuition, percentage of students that receive financial aid, average institutional aid, and the student to faculty ratio.
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Coos Bay, Oregon
Why We Selected Southwestern Oregon Community College:
- The program offers hands-on clinical experience through job shadowing and lab training.
- Employer partnerships provide potential tuition reimbursement and job placement opportunities.
- Expert instruction is led by experienced faculty with extensive healthcare backgrounds.
Program Details
- AccreditationNWCCU
- Average In-State Tuition$4,514
- Average Institutional Aid$3,393
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course70%
- % of Students Receiving an Award46%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Mt Hood Community College
Gresham, Oregon
Why We Selected Mt Hood Community College:
- The program offers flexible work environments in various healthcare settings.
- Optional certification opportunities enhance career prospects and salary potential.
- Hands-on clinical training prepares students for diverse medical roles.
Program Details
- AccreditationNWCCU
- Average In-State Tuition$4,248
- Average Institutional Aid$2,339
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course40%
- % of Students Receiving an Award27%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
