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Launch a Healthcare Career — Right Here on the Oregon Coast.
WHAT • The Program
What Is a Medical Assistant?
Imagine walking into work every day knowing that what you do actually matters. Medical Assistants are the backbone of modern healthcare — the professionals who keep clinics running, patients feeling heard, and doctors focused on what they do best. You’ll be the first face a patient sees, and often the most trusted voice they hear.The Medical Assistant Certificate at OCCC prepares you for entry-level employment in a physician’s clinic, urgent care center, specialty practice, or a wide range of other healthcare settings — in as little as one year.What You’ll Be Able to DoThis program covers three core skill areas that make you genuinely job-ready from day one:- Patient Care — Interact with patients and families in a caring, respectful way; assist with exams, treatments, and procedures; ensure patient comfort and safety at every step.
- Clinical Skills — Perform diagnostic procedures, carry out clinical lab work with quality assurance standards, administer medications, and support licensed providers across a full spectrum of clinical tasks.
- Administrative Mastery — Manage office procedures, maintain medical records using proper terminology, handle billing and scheduling, and keep a medical practice running like a well-oiled machine.
What Makes This Program Different
Articulation Agreement with Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT)
Graduates of the OCCC Medical Assistant program can continue directly into the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management (Administration Option) at OIT — no starting over, no wasted credits. Your certificate is a launchpad, not a ceiling.
WHY | The Opportunity
Why Choose Medical Assisting?
Let’s be real: you want a career that pays well, is in demand, and feels meaningful. Medical assisting checks all three boxes — and then some.
The Numbers Don't Lie
21%
Job growth in Oregon through 2030 — nearly 4× the national average
$48K+
Average Medical Assistant salary in Oregon
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth for medical assistants nationwide through 2033 — already more than double the average for all occupations. In Oregon, the demand is even stronger. The state is expected to add nearly 2,000 new Medical Assistant positions by 2030, with salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $60,000 depending on experience and specialty.
Entry-level positions in Oregon typically start around $21/hour — and experienced Medical Assistants in specialties like urgent care, cardiology, or surgical support can earn significantly more. There’s real room to grow here.
Why Healthcare - Why Now?
- Healthcare jobs are found everywhere — urban clinics, rural practices, coastal communities. You won’t need to move to find work.
- An aging population means demand for skilled healthcare professionals is rising faster than schools can produce them. You’re entering a seller’s market.
- Medical Assisting offers stability that most industries simply can’t match. These aren’t jobs that get outsourced or automated away — they require a human touch.
- You’ll work alongside physicians, nurses, and specialists, building real skills and relationships that open doors to advancement throughout your career.
Why OCCC?
Oregon Coast Community College isn’t a factory. Classes are small, instructors know your name, and the program is designed to get you employed — not just credentialed. With hands-on clinical practicums built directly into the curriculum, you’ll graduate with real-world experience before you even walk across the stage.
“I want a career — not just a job.”
Whether you’re a high school student looking for a fast track to a meaningful profession, or an adult ready to make a change — this program meets you where you are. No four-year wait. No massive debt. Just focused, hands-on training that leads directly to employment.
HOW | Your Path Forward
How Do You Get Started?
Ready to make your move? Here’s the roadmap — from your first day of class to your first day on the job.
The Curriculum — Your Year at a Glance
The Medical Assistant Certificate is a focused, sequential program. You’ll begin in Fall term — and each course builds on the last, taking you from foundational science to fully supervised clinical experience.
| Course | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|
| NCMA 101 | Body Structure & Function I — Foundational anatomy and physiology for healthcare practice |
| NCMA 102 | Clinical Procedures I — Core hands-on skills for patient care and clinical settings |
| NCMA 103 | Office Skills for the Medical Office — Scheduling, records, billing, and administrative workflows |
| NCMA 111 | Body Structure & Function II — Advanced systems, disease processes, and diagnostic foundations |
| NCMA 112 | Clinical Procedures II — Advanced clinical skills, lab procedures, and quality assurance |
| NCMA 113 | Clinical Practicum I — Real-world experience in a supervised healthcare setting |
| NCMA 123 | Clinical Practicum II — Expanded supervised clinical hours and competency assessment |
| NCMA 125 | Pharmacology — Medications, dosage calculations, administration, and patient safety |
Admission Requirements
- Students must successfully complete Fall term Medical Assisting courses to continue in the program.
- All applicants must meet Oregon DHS Division 7 Criminal History Requirements & Policies.
- Review the OCCC MA Student Handbook and Curriculum Map (available through the advising office) before enrolling.
Where Classes Are Held
The Medical Assistant program is offered at the OCCC North County Center in Lincoln City — a growing coastal community with strong regional healthcare employment opportunities and direct ties to local clinical practicum sites.
Paying for School — You Have Options
Cost should never be the reason you don’t pursue a healthcare career. WorkSource Oregon partners with OCCC to provide financial assistance for qualified students, including grant funding and scholarship opportunities. WorkSource advisors will work with you one-on-one to develop a personalized training plan.
WorkSource Oregon Locations:
- Lincoln City: 4157 NW Hwy 101, Suite 250 | 541-791-5707
- Newport: 120 NE Avery Street | 541-757-4122
- Online: worksourceoregon.org
Your Next Steps
Your future patients are waiting. Let’s get you ready to help them.
Ready to start? Here’s what to do today:
1 – Request the MA Advising Document from the OCCC advising office
2 – Review the 2025-2026 Medical Assistant Curriculum Map
3 – Contact WorkSource Oregon to explore financial assistance options
4 – Apply for admission and register for Fall term