Medical Assistant Training

An OHSU Doernbecher nurse practitioner visits with a young patient and his parent.]

OHSU, in partnership with the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA), is helping to expand access to health care by training its future leaders in the healthcare community. Students who join OHSU’s Medical Assistant Training Program gain hands-on learning and experience in our primary care clinics throughout Portland.

Training Overview

  • 8-month program with online learning and on-site experience, totaling 240 externship hours across four terms
  • Online work is estimated at 15-25 hours per week, depending on each student’s pace
  • 12 hours a week of on-site clinical experience at a OHSU clinic
  • 1 hour per week of National Synchronous Session and Huddles with NIMAA instructor and skills coach, typically via online interactive discussions
  • 4 interactive weeks with no clinical hours used for student case studies
  • Preparation for Medical Assistant Certification

Requirements

  • Must possess a valid state-issued ID/DL
  • Student must be 18 years of age by program completion date
  • Student must possess a HS diploma, GED, or other equivalency certificate
  • Student must be proficient in verbal and written English
  • Student must show proof of immunizations (Td/Tdap, Chicken pox, MMR, Flu, and PPD/BAMT)
  • Not required but highly recommended that student have regular access to computer and internet
  • If offer is made, student will need to submit to a background check conducted by NIMAA

Important Resources