Online Medical Assistant Programs in Oregon: Choosing a School
Medical assisting is one of today’s most promising entry-level allied health careers, with Oregon projected to see 12% more job openings through 2034. In this guide, we compare online medical assistant programs in Oregon so you can find the best education, support resources, and path to certification to achieve your career goals.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareSocial WorkPre-Nursing EditorialSenior CareDementia CareWhy Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Jump To Section
Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Oregon
If you’re planning to become a medical assistant in Oregon, choosing the right program is the most important first step. Today’s MA programs combine medical knowledge, technical training, and clinical skills, with many offering online or hybrid formats for added flexibility.
When comparing programs, keep these factors in mind:
- Program format: Some certificates are fully online, but most accredited programs and associate degrees include an in-person externship for hands-on clinical training.
- Location and clinical access: Oregon-based programs often make it easier to secure a nearby clinical site.
- Certification, timeline, and cost: Your preferred MA credential, how quickly you want to graduate, and your budget will shape the best choice.
Below, we break down what to expect from online medical assistant programs in Oregon and how to align your education with your career goals.
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 97% retention rate, 94% national exam passage rate, and 88% job placement rate.
It is also extremely flexible, offering students the choice between online, in-person, and hybrid learning modes. The impressive faculty have all completed the program themselves, giving them first-hand insight into the student experience. They are also better equipped to provide support, mentorship, and guidance.
PCC offers students a wide range of benefits, including a guaranteed admission process after 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
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meet all health qualifications (including vaccine requirements)
- Meet PCC’s 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 maintaining patient charts.
- 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:
Herzing University
Herzing University offers two hybrid medical assistant pathways, including a 10-month diploma and a 20-month associate’s degree. Students on either path 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 your final term.
With eight-week courses, rolling admissions, and virtual student services (academic advising, tutoring, career coaching, and library services), Herzing is a great choice for students who need a flexible program with and comprehensive support.
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.
Clackamas Community College
If you’re interested in small class sizes and a more personalized experience, consider the 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. Its smaller class sizes guarantee attentive instructors, detailed feedback, and thoughtful guidance.
The program includes a clinical externship and prepares graduates for certification exams, and the curriculum is accredited by both 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
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass relevant health and safety background checks (vaccination, TB status, criminal background, and drug screen)
- Complete all course prerequisites (Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, one core math course, and one core English course)
- Write 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 support 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 exam 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.
- 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.
FAQs for Medical Assistant Students in Oregon
As you dive deeper into your search for the right online medical assistant program, you might have additional questions. Sorting through things like prerequisites, networking opportunities, and funding can make it difficult to know where to start and how to compare programs. Here, we’ve gathered some commonly asked questions to help guide your search.
Do online medical assistant programs in Oregon have prerequisites, and is it difficult to be accepted?
Yes, many online MA programs in Oregon do have prerequisites, but not all. Specific requirements 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
- Holding a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meeting certain health and safety requirements (eg., vaccinations, TB testing, criminal history, drug screening)
If you have questions about your personal history and circumstances, consider contacting an admissions advisor from the programs you plan to apply to.
Completing the prerequisites early makes you a more competitive candidate and gives you a better selection when it comes to choosing a program. 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?
Even if you are taking classes online and part-time, 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 participate in 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 future Oregon 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 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.
If you plan on utilizing federal student aid to attend a degree-granting program, be sure to choose a program at an accredited university. This step is vital to accessing federal funds in the form of loans and grants.
What is the average cost of an online medical assistant program in Oregon?
The cost of online medical assistant programs varies greatly, with certificate programs being more affordable on average and degree programs costing more. Certificates usually range from $6,000 to $13,000, while earning an associate degree to further your MA career can cost as much as $20,000.
However, there are many affordable online MA programs to choose from if you know what to look for. When you’re comparing costs, try to look both at the upfront investment and the possibilities later. Ask yourself:
- Am I choosing a certificate program that allows me to apply your credits toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree later?
- Am considering a career in nursing or another area of allied health in the future? If so, will this program support my transition?
- Is the cost of attending this program justified by the salary I expect to make in a medical assistant role?
While the cost of online medical assistant programs 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 an array of topics to prepare you for a career in medical assisting, including foundational knowledge in:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Administrative Medical Assisting
- Physical Exam Techniques
- Phlebotomy
- Clinical Lab Procedures
Degree-granting programs will also include other courses and tend to share core prerequisites like math and English/composition, along with electives that cater to your interests. Accredited 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 required by law 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. If your certification lapses, you’ll have to retake the certification exam.
Career & Salary Info for Medical Assistants in Oregon
| 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. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Oregon | $40,830 | $49,900 | $61,100 |
| Albany, OR | $39,280 | $48,880 | $61,740 |
| Bend, OR | $41,020 | $49,990 | $60,490 |
| Corvallis, OR | $40,690 | $47,510 | $58,860 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $39,210 | $47,590 | $61,100 |
| Grants Pass, OR | $39,710 | $47,120 | $57,730 |
| Medford, OR | $40,720 | $48,030 | $58,170 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $45,670 | $52,040 | $62,970 |
| Salem, OR | $40,240 | $48,720 | $60,370 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, 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.
Treasure Valley Community College
Ontario, ORProgram Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,097 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Treasure Valley Community College
- TVCC's Medical Assistant program offers a compressed schedule with flexible online classes and limited campus visits, allowing students to complete their training faster while balancing life and work commitments.
- The program boasts a high certification exam passage rate of over 97% cumulatively and 100% student satisfaction, demonstrating strong graduate success and preparation for the National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam.
- Students receive practical skills training through live lab days for clinical procedures like vital checks, blood draws, and injections, enhancing hands-on experience critical for employment readiness.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,097 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,077 Avg. Aid Amount
- 25% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Clackamas Community College
- The Medical Assistant program at Clackamas Community College guarantees a 98.46% national exam passage rate, reflecting strong student success and certification readiness.
- The program follows a cohort model, fostering peer collaboration by having students start, learn, and graduate together, enhancing support and networking opportunities.
- Clackamas Community College’s Medical Assistant program is accredited by CAAHEP, ensuring high-quality education aligned with industry standards and eligibility for national certification.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,077 Avg. Aid Amount
- 25% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Tillamook Bay Community College
Tillamook, ORProgram Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,382 Avg. Aid Amount
- 16% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Tillamook Bay Community College
- The Medical Assistant program at Tillamook Bay Community College offers an optional volunteer externship opportunity with local healthcare organizations, providing valuable hands-on clinical experience that enhances employability.
- The program partners with local healthcare agencies to provide real-world clinical training, ensuring students gain practical skills aligned with patient care and industry needs.
- Students benefit from mobile-ready, 24/7 learner support and video lesson presentations, allowing flexible access to coursework alongside clinical experience.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,382 Avg. Aid Amount
- 16% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,962 Avg. Aid Amount
- 28% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Central Oregon Community College
- The Medical Assistant program at Coconino Community College offers a hands-on externship at a local health facility, providing intensive real-world clinical experience essential for employment readiness.
- Students completing the program are eligible to take the American Medical Technologist (AMT) certification exam to become Registered Medical Assistants (RMA), enhancing their professional credentials and job market competitiveness.
- The program allows flexible start options with enrollment available in either the Spring or Fall semesters, facilitating quicker or more convenient entry into the healthcare workforce.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,962 Avg. Aid Amount
- 28% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,820 Avg. Aid Amount
- 20% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Rogue Community College
- The Medical Assistant program at Rogue Community College offers a flexible schedule with both daytime and after-hours classes to accommodate working students.
- Students complete 254 hours of hands-on clinical practicum at local clinics, enhancing real-world experience and job readiness.
- Nearly every eligible applicant is accepted, reflecting an accessible pathway to certification and career advancement.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,820 Avg. Aid Amount
- 20% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,986 Avg. Aid Amount
- 28% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Chemeketa Community College
- The Chemeketa Medical Assistant program offers eligibility for national certification exams in both medical assisting and phlebotomy, enhancing graduates' employment credentials immediately after completion.
- Students gain valuable real-world clinical experience working directly with physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals, which facilitates practical skills development and professional networking opportunities.
- The program provides application scoring advantages for students who complete Medical Terminology coursework, improving admission chances for motivated applicants and reflecting a supportive pathway to program entry.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,986 Avg. Aid Amount
- 28% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,632 Avg. Aid Amount
- 25% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lane Community College
- Lane Community College’s Medical Assistant program boasts an impressive 87% average Certified Medical Assistant exam passage rate over five years, reflecting strong student success and program quality.
- Students can earn stackable credentials, simultaneously attaining the Basic Health Care Certificate and a Medical Assistant certificate, with the option to pursue an Associate of General Studies degree for expanded career opportunities.
- The program’s co-op component provides hands-on clinical experience, enhancing job readiness and employer connections in healthcare settings.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,632 Avg. Aid Amount
- 25% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,145 Avg. Aid Amount
- 31% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mt Hood Community College
- The Medical Assistant program offers an accelerated 6-month completion option with flexible class schedules to accommodate varying student needs.
- The program includes a comprehensive clinical practicum along with an online review course specifically designed to prepare students for the National Medical Assistant Certification exam.
- Students gain hands-on experience performing both administrative and technical clinical skills with a strong focus on professional conduct and medical office workflow, enhancing job readiness.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,145 Avg. Aid Amount
- 31% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 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 and career counseling 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*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
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 2025
Keep Learning
Online Nursing Schools in Oregon: Exploring Top Programs
Can You Earn a Medical Assistant Degree Online in 6 Weeks?
Online Medical Assistant Programs - Most Affordable
