Admission
Cascade JH 210 | Admissions: 503-978-5661 | Fax: 503-978-5257 | healthca@pcc.edu
Program Prerequisites
Spring 2010 and Fall 2010 Medical Assisting Programs are full. We will be accepting applications for Spring 2011 and Fall 2011 starting Oct 1st 2010.
- High School completion or GED
- Students must demonstrate a working knowledge and/or background of basic computer skills including windows, keyboarding, internet and email. Students not able to demonstrate a working knowledge and/or background will be required to take a course(s) prior to admission.
- MA 134 recommends a keyboarding speed of 35/wpm with no more than 3 errors.
- Students must have transportation to clinical facilities throughout the Portland Metropolitan area and surrounding communities.
Locations
- Cascade Campus (eastside)
- Starts Fall Term
- Willow Creek (westside)
- Starts Spring Term
Application and Acceptance
To apply for the Medical Assisting Program, please complete the following steps (A printable version of these application steps is also available.) :
- Fill out the program application.
- Include an official copy of your High School transcript with your application & recommendations.
- Obtain two statements of recommendation from a recent employer, instructor or counselor.
- Take the required College Placement Tests. See the catalog for score requirements.
- Program advising with a Medical Assisting Program Advisor.
- Demonstrate satisfactory English language ability through a written and oral interview assessment that will be administered at the Program Advising Session.
Qualified applicants are accepted in the order in which the application process is completed. Application documents should be sent to:
Portland Community College
Cascade Campus
Attention: Allied Heath Advisor/Program Support Specialist
705 N Killingsworth
Portland OR 97217
Upon acceptance to the Medical Assisting Program, students must have documentation of the following prior to the beginning of winter term:
- satisfactory physical examination
- Mantoux Test
- evidence of immunity to measles
- evidence of initiating the immunization series to Hepatitis B or sign a waiver
Legal Limitations for the CMA Certification
Individuals who have been found guilty of a felony, or pleaded guilty to a felony, are not eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistance Examination (CMA). However, the Certifying Board may grant a waiver based on mitigating circumstances. See the American Association of Medical Assistance (AAMA) CMA Examination Application for specifics.
Criminal Background Check
All PCC students enrolled in a health care or child care program, including Medial Assisting, with requirements for practical experience or field training may have to pass Criminal History Checks (CHC) as a condition of their acceptance into a medical or other facility for training.
Students who do not pass the CHC may not be eligible to complete training at affiliated practicum sites, to sit for licensure or certification exams, or to be hired for some professional positions. If you believe that your past history may interfere with your ability to complete the program of study or to obtain licensure or certification in your chosen field, you should contact the appropriate state board or the program director.
Course of Study
The Program begins fall term only. Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all Program required classes. The Program is designed to correlate classroom and laboratory experience with practical experience in health care facilities.