A class act: Oregon health system covers medical assistant tuition

St. Charles Health System, based in Bend, Ore., is investing in the future of its workforce — and by extension, the health of the entire central Oregon community — through a new educational initiative. The health system will cover tuition at nearby Central Oregon Community College for students training to become certified medical assistants, the most in-demand position within the system.

“We are excited to offer this new funding in hopes of getting more people interested in becoming medical assistants, which is an engaging but often overlooked health care job,” said Jennifer Brooks, chief nursing officer for ambulatory care at St. Charles. Brooks spent several years as an MA before becoming a nurse.

St. Charles Health System also provides compensation during training, removing financial barriers that often prevent people from entering health care careers. Participating students receive classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training during an accelerated, six-month medical assistant program that starts in June. Then in September, they join other students in starting the regular nine-month program. The health system will provide funding for 10 students total, and in exchange, graduates must commit to working at St. Charles Health System for at least two years.

By expanding opportunities for medical assistants, St. Charles is cultivating the next generation of caregivers and building a sustainable workforce that can grow with the region’s needs.

LEARN MORE