Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board (SOWIB) is pleased to partner with local healthcare employers and Southwestern Oregon Community College to launch the first Registered Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program in the state of Oregon. This unique “earn and learn” model includes paid on-the-job training (2000 hours or roughly one year of full time work) coupled with related instruction (156 hours, mostly on-line and after hours). The Oregon State Apprenticeship & Training Council approved the program in April of 2018, offering an additional avenue for workers to become trained and eligible to sit for national certification. This nationally-recognized credential is portable, and can be used anywhere in the United States to qualify for Medical Assistant openings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, “Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.” Currently there are five training sites registered within Coos County, with plans to expand to Curry and Douglas Counties in the next year. To meet minimum qualifications, applicants must be 18 years or older, and have a high school diploma, GED, or certificate of high school equivalency. Employers require that applicants pass a pre-employment drug screening, undergo a criminal background check, and are also subject to other employer related policies specific to each training site. For more information please contact: Alane Jennings, Apprenticeship Coordinator; ajennings@socc.edu ; 541-888-1612.
