One of the fastest-growing careers in Oregon is a medical assistant.
This position can work in any health care facility, ranging from hospitals to doctors’ offices, and even treatment centers.
It is also a great way to start your career in the medical field.
Below are some of the best schools in Oregon to help you with your career and what you can expect from a salary as a medical assistant.
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5 Medical Assistant Schools In Oregon
Below are the top 5 medical assistant schools in Oregon for those looking to pursue a new career.
1. Concorde Career College – Portland
Available in a 9-month program, Concorde Career College in Portland has a Medical Assistant program that is available with 26 credit hours.
There is financial aid available for thisĀ programĀ and some scholarships after you apply.
If you have any credits that will transfer to the program, they will take so many to add, which will reduce the amount you owe.
Throughout this program, you will have lab hours working directly with offices during lab hours.
There is a lab requirement as a part of the program that must be completed before you can graduate from the program.
2. Institute of Technology – Salem
At IOT- Salem, the Professional Medical Assistant program is designed in a hybrid model so that you can do some of your work online and then complete the hands-on portion of the program.
This is designed for students who are currently working and need to pursue a program that allows a flexible schedule for the work.
In order to complete the degree, there are 160 hours required of hands-on lab work where you gain first-hand experience and learn about what you will be doing when you enter the career field.
The total program cost is $18,298.00 and financial aid is available.
3. Central Oregon Community College
At COCC, the tuition rate is $113 per credit hour for students who live in the district and $159 per credit hour for those who live in Oregon but not in the district.
This is an on-campus program that is completed in four terms.
The program admits students each fall only, and no other time throughout the year.
They are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Like the others, financial aid assistance is available for the program, and you can also expect a lab component where you spend so many hours in the field before you are certified.
4. Chemeketa Community College
Offered at the Yamhill Valley campus, Chemeketa Community College has a Medical Assisting program available.
Admission to the program is available in the fall and spring terms only.
There is an approximate cost of $7,000 for the program.
However, before you can gain entry, you need to have taken several general education courses.
This program lasts three terms and requires fees for background checks, immunizations, and drug tests that are required.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
5. Lane Community College
In one year as a full-time student, you can complete the Medical Assistant program.
This program does cost around $12,000 for all the tuition, books, and other fees that are associated with the program.
This makes this one of the fastest and most affordable options out there for Medical Assistants.
The credits earned in this program are transferrable to other programs at Lane, should you want to advance your career later on in the medical industry.
You can expect lab hours as a part of program completion and pursue financial aid options if you need them.
Medical Assistant Schools in Oregon – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Oregon
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Concorde Career College - Portland | 1425 NE Irving St UNIT 300, Portland, OR 97232 |
Institute of Technology - Salem | 4700 Silverton Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305 |
Central Oregon Community College | 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97703 |
Chemeketa Community College | 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, OR 97305 |
Lane Community College | 4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405 |
Salary For a Medical Assistant in Oregon
The average salary for a Medical Assistant in Oregon averages between $30,000 and $33,000 annually.
Those working part-time or PRN average around $19-22 per hour, depending on where they are working and the need of the position.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Medical Assistants in Oregon
City Name | Salary |
---|---|
Portland | $39,362 |
Eugene | $36,974 |
Salem | $37,333 |
Gresham | $39,311 |
Beaverton | $39,362 |
Hillsboro | $39,235 |
Medford | $36,178 |
Springfield | $36,891 |
Bend | $36,553 |
Corvallis | $36,796 |
Regional Salary in Oregon
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Albany, OR | 210 | $48,600 | $23.37 | $59,130 | $39,550 |
Bend-Redmond, OR | 620 | $49,830 | $23.96 | $59,120 | $40,580 |
Corvallis, OR | 330 | $47,160 | $22.67 | $54,350 | $38,950 |
Eugene, OR | 1,100 | $47,840 | $23 | $59,000 | $37,850 |
Grants Pass, OR | 240 | $46,240 | $22.23 | $55,450 | $38,200 |
Medford, OR | 870 | $47,270 | $22.73 | $56,710 | $38,700 |
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 6,590 | $51,510 | $24.76 | $60,490 | $40,880 |
Salem, OR | 1,050 | $49,320 | $23.71 | $58,150 | $39,550 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Schools by City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Certificate required to become a medical assistant in Oregon?
The short answer to this question is no, medical assistants are not required to be certified in Oregon.
However, most are certified and choose to be so that they can earn the best pay available for that position.
Those who are certified will make a higher salary than those who are not.
Is there a large growth expectation for medical assistants in Oregon?
Yes, it is expected that the need for medical assistants will rise to 18 percent or higher over the next decade.
This means that this position is in strong demand for the state and there are positions available.
Can I use my medical assistant career and program as a career stepping stone?
Since the medical assistant position is an entry-level position, it is great for those who decide later to pursue nursing or administrative jobs in healthcare.
It gives you the opportunity to pursue more medical certifications, like phlebotomy and EKG technicians.