If a career as a medical assistant (MA) in Oregon strongly appeals to you then you will be happy to know that the demand for MA’s has been steadily on the increase over the last decade and is projected to grow by a further 29% over the coming years. In fact it is predicted that an additional 183,900 jobs will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
This is much faster than average when compared with other roles in the healthcare industry.
How to become a Medical Assistant in Oregon;
- Find an accredited medical assisting program
- Fulfill certification and licensing requirements
- How much does a MA make in Oregon
- Salary and employment data by metro area
- Explore related careers in Oregon
If you wish to pursue a career as a MA in Oregon you will need to first complete a high school diploma. In order to become fully certified (CMA) you will also need to have graduated from an accredited program.
Certification is not essential but it is generally preferred by employers.
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in Oregon
| College | Metro Area | Find Out More | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Central Oregon Community College | Bend | Request Information |
| 2. | Clackamas Community College | Milwaukie | Request Information |
| 3. | Columbia Gorge Community College | The Dalles | Request Information |
| 4. | Concorde Career College | Portland | Request Information |
| 5. | Lane Community College | Eugene | Request Information |
| 6. | Linn Benton Community College | Albany | Request Information |
| 7. | Portland Community College | Portland | Request Information |
Listed above are the top accredited MA programs in Oregon.
Accreditation may be granted either by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Medical Assistant Certification Oregon
Medical assistant certification (CMA) is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification is granted following the successful completion of certification exams.
Only graduates of accredited MA programs are eligible to apply to take the certification exams. Applicants are also typically required to complete an unpaid internship as part of the certification process.
Certification is not essential in Oregon but it will certainly enhance a candidates employment and career prospects.
Medical Assistant Salary in Oregon
| Average Salary | $36,990 |
| Hourly Wage | $17.78 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $48,700 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $26,380 |
| #'s Employed | 11,430 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 11,430 people employed as MAs in Oregon with an average salary of $36,990.
This equates to $17.78 per hour and is 12.6% above the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in Oregon have an annual income of $48,700 whilst the bottom 10% earned $26,380.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in Oregon
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $35,020 | $16.84 | 280 |
| Bend-Redmond | $36,790 | $17.69 | 580 |
| Corvallis | $38,100 | $18.32 | 300 |
| Eugene | $36,250 | $17.43 | 1,190 |
| Grants Pass | $33,630 | $16.17 | 290 |
| Medford | $36,680 | $17.64 | 820 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | $38,730 | $18.62 | 6,060 |
| Salem | $36,060 | $17.34 | 1,120 |
Related Healthcare Careers in Oregon
Medical assistants in Oregon earn 14.9% more than nursing assistants there and 6.5% less than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $36,990 | 11,430 |
| Nursing Assistant | $32,190 | 12,800 |
| EMT | $39,560 | 2,080 |
| Home Health Aide | $24,930 | 5050 |
| Surgical Tech | $52,020 | 1,400 |
| Dental Assistant | $42,470 | 5,480 |
| Physician Assistant | $113,210 | 1,230 |