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Health & Medical:
Certificates of Completion
& Associate Degrees

Students can earn a Certificate of Completion or an Associate Degree in a health care field at a community college.  Community colleges provide high quality, low cost education that helps students enter into the workforce in a short amount of time. See below for academic programs available in Central Oregon as well as other programs of interest in Oregon.

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Associate vs. Bachelor's Degree?

You will notice that some professions such as registered nursing and diagnostic imaging have both educational pathways meaning that you can earn either degree and be eligible to sit for the licensure exam. Students are encouraged to research both options to assess which is the best fit for them. Learn about how each degree impacts wages, advancement, hiring, and employment opportunities. Also note that there are options for students to transition from an Associate degree to a Bachelor's degree by completing a bridge program.

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Program Admissions

Many programs at the Associate degree level require that students complete pre-requisite courses before they can begin the program.  Review admission requirements on program websites to learn about pre-requisite requirements.

  • Open enrollment: Many programs are open enrollment meaning that seats in the program are available on a first-come, first served basis to students who have been cleared to register after successfully completing the pre-requisite requirements.

  • Selective admissions: Some program require competitive selective admissions applications that assess specific criteria such as GPA, test scores, essays, experience, etc. Review applications carefully because criteria varies greatly.  Students may choose to apply to multiple selective admission programs to see where they are accepted.

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Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all health care programs in Oregon.  To research programs available at all the community colleges in Oregon, look up "Academic Programs" at each college:

Central Oregon Community College
Health Care Programs

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Dental Assistant

Dental Assistants work in dental and orthodontic offices and are trained in both clinical and administrative skills including diagnostic imaging, assisting in oral surgery & orthodontic procedures, taking impressions, applying sealants, maintaining medical records and so much more.

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One-Year Certificate of Completion (4 terms)

COCC Program
Stretching Exercise

Exercise Science/Kinesiology

Exercise science is the study of human body movements that contribute to fitness, holistic wellness, and longevity. Examples of exercise science courses include exercise physiology, the care and prevention of athletic injuries, anatomical kinesiology, nutrition for health, exercise testing and prescription, sport and exercise psychology, and wellness coaching. Coursework provides foundational training for students who want to pursue careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, wellness coaching, kinesiology, personal training, fitness instruction, and related health and sports careers,

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Exercise Science/Kinesiology, Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer

Pre-Physical Therapy, Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer

COCC Program
Receptionist

Health Information Management

The HIM program prepares students for employment in the business and administrative side of health care including medical office management, information management, computer technology, revenue cycle management, accounting, patient privacy and more. It includes more than 40 work settings and more than 125 job titles.

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Medical Office Specialist - One Year Certificate of Completion (3-4 terms)

HIM - Associate of Applied Science (2 years)

COCC Program
Pouring Massage Oil

Licensed Massage Therapist

Massage therapists work in conjunction with physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, sport teams, and in many other settings. In addition to private practice, massage therapists can work in hospitals, athletic clubs, health centers, cruise ships, resorts, and spas. Students learn a variety of skills and techniques: Swedish, deep tissue, aromatherapy, Asian bodywork, neuromuscular, sports, reflexology, business ownership and more.

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Certificate of Completion (required for LMT licensure, can be completed in 1 year)

Associate of Applied Science (2 years)

COCC Program
Vaccine

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants support health care providers in offices or clinical settings in a broad range of administrative and clinical skills. Duties might include taking medical histories and vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, giving medications or immunizations, collecting laboratory specimens, drawing blood, and maintaining medical records.

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One-Year Certificate of Completion (4 terms)

COCC Program
Paramedic in Uniform

Paramedic

Paramedics are advanced providers of emergency medical care and trained to provide care to critically ill and injured patients in the community in a rapid time frame. They are highly educated in topics such as anatomy and physiology, cardiology, pharmacology, and emergency medical procedures. They build on their EMT training and learn more skills such as administering medications, starting intravenous lines, providing advanced airway management, and resuscitating and supporting patients with significant problems such as heart attacks and traumas.

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Paramedic - Associate of Applied Science (about three years)

Selective Admissions (application required upon completion of pre-requisites)

COCC Program
Pharmacist Checking Medicine

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technicians work closely with pharmacists in hospitals and retail pharmacies. They prepare and distribute medications: count, pour, weigh, measure, calculate, and mix (including IV medications and chemotherapy). They screen medications for accuracy and maintain accurate patient records.
 

One-Year Certificate of Completion (2-3 terms)

COCC Program
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Public Health

Public Health - Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer:

Designed for students who wish to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field. Public health includes a wide variety of careers that focus on the following skills and responsibilities: disease & injury prevention, health promotion, health and social equity, environmental sustainability, health education & coaching, advocacy, addressing health disparities, case management, developing health policies & programs, community needs assessment, healthcare reform, disaster preparedness, workplace safety, epidemiology, and so much more. Work settings include health departments, government agencies, non-profit & social service organizations, medical clinics, academic institutions, and international health.

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COCC Community Health One Year Certificate of Completion

Prepares students to work in the fields of public health, health care, and community-based organizations. Jobs in the public health field include community health worker, wellness coach, sustainable practices/advocacy, peer-centered support specialist, outreach case manager, and community health advocate. Graduates work to reduce unequal rates of illness and death between different communities, promote wellness, and advocate for health equity. All course work can be applied to the Public Health Associates of Art Degree of Transfer. Courses cover foundations of public health, sustainable development, motivational interviewing, and health promotion strategies..

COCC Program
Nurse And Patient

Registered Nurse

Provide care for patients in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools, public health departments, hospice, and more. Nurses monitor, record and report symptoms or changes in patient condition. They maintain accurate patient reports and obtain medical histories. They administer medications, obtain laboratory specimens, perform diagnostic tests, provide wound care and other interventions, supervise nursing assistants, and provide patient education and case management.

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Registered Nurse - Associate of Applied Science (3 to 4 years)

Selective Admissions (application required upon completion of pre-requisites)

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Scroll to the bottom of the page for additional information about Registered Nurse programs in Oregon

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COCC Program
Veterinarian Examining a Bunny

Veterinary Technician

Certified veterinary technicians provide the day-to-day care essentials that assist veterinarians in treating animal patients of all types from pets to wildlife to farm animals. They are trained in a wide range of  advanced skills including radiology, diagnostic testing, dental care, lab work, assisting in surgery, and anesthetic monitoring.

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Veterinary Technician - Associate of Applied Science (about three years)

Selective Admissions (application required upon completion of pre-requisites)

COCC Program

Additional Oregon Community College Health Care Programs

See below for health care certificates and Associate degrees offered at other community colleges (not offered at COCC). Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisites at COCC and transfer.  Many programs have selective admissions applications upon completion of pre-requisites (see program websites for admissions requirements).

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Anesthesia Technology

Anesthesia technologists work with anesthesiologists to ensure adequate stock in the operating room as well as prepare equipment and supplies for surgery. They perform much of their work in a sterile environment. Additional tasks include: preparing patients, maintaining suctioning equipment, setting up advanced airway equipment, double-checking instrument calibrations and assessing gas cylinders.

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Associate of Applied Science programs in Oregon (selective admissions):

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Scientist with Test Tubes

Bioscience Technology

Bioscience technology provides a wide range of products and services by linking science fundamentals to laboratory and bio-manufacturing applications. Biotechnicians work in:

  • Manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals and medical devices

  • Analytical & diagnostic labs

  • Biological and biomedical research

  • Gene therapy and genetic engineering

  • Quality control

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Associate of Applied Science program in Oregon (selective admissions):

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Dentist Appointment

Dental Hygiene

Dental hygienists are licensed dental health care professionals. They provide the following types of care for patients of all ages in dental clinics:

  • Dental cleanings and preventative care

  • Diagnostic imaging

  • Oral health assessment, screening, and education

  • Periodontal (gum) disease treatment

  • Local anesthetic administration and Nitrous oxide sedation

  • Place and finish dental fillings

 

Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for Associate or Bachelor degree programs in Dental Hygiene at other Oregon colleges and universities (all programs are selective admissions). See Oregon Bachelor Degree programs (including Bachelor Degree completion for students with an Associate Degree).

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Associate of Applied Science programs in Oregon (selective admissions):

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Image by National Cancer Institute

Diagnostic Imaging

Radiologic technologists create images of patients’ bodies using medical equipment to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Radiologic technologists, or x-ray techs, perform diagnostic imaging examinations in both clinic and hospital settings. Certification in general radiography opens the door to pathways towards specialty imaging modalities like CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammography, and more.

 

Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for Associate or Bachelor degree programs in Diagnostic Imaging at other Oregon colleges and universities (all programs are selective admissions). Note:  There are no ultrasound programs at the Associate degree level in Oregon. See Bachelor Degree options in Oregon.

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Diagnostic Imaging Associate of Applied Science programs in Oregon (selective admissions)

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Funeral Service Education

Funeral Service programs prepare students for the diverse needs involved with taking care of the dead and the bereaved. Students will learn a wide range of topics, such as: embalming; cremation; microbiology; pathology; funeral directing; counseling; and management.

 

Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for the Mt Hood Community College program (selective admissions).

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Oregon Associate of Applied Science program:

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Gerontology

Prepares students for many different career paths working with older adults including healthcare, prevention, promotion of healthy behaviors, and active self and team-management of chronic disease conditions. The program emphasizes person-centered, person-directed care in a multitude of industries including: business, financial, and legal services; consumer products, fitness and wellness, housing and interior design; management (for-profit and not-for-profit); research; education and lifelong learning; human services and social work; Professional volunteer recruitment; and recreation, travel, and nature immersion.

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Oregon Associate of Applied Science program:

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Scientist in the Lab

Laboratory Technician

Medical laboratory technicians (MLT) perform test procedures to help diagnose and treat diseases.  They work in hospital & clinical laboratories, blood banks, and research institutions.  They use sophisticated instruments to perform hundreds of critical tests including:

  • Identifying normal and abnormal blood cells to assist with the diagnosis of anemias and leukemias

  • Chemistry tests to measure blood glucose, heart enzymes, and drug levels

  • Procedures to ensure that trauma patients receive safe units of blood

  • Identify bacteria, fungi, and parasites which cause infections

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Oregon programs:

Speech Therapist

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants work under the direction of occupational therapists to help patients with injuries, illnesses, and disabilities develop and recover activities of daily living. They may help children with typical childhood activities, such as learning, playing, and growing as well as work with students who have learning disabilities, behavioral problems, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or other disabilities. They may also work with adults to help them recover from traumatic injuries, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease or mental health problems, helping them relearn activities of daily living or learning occupations.

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Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for the Associate degree program at Linn Benton Community College. Distance learning option available for Central Oregon students.

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Associate of Applied Science programs in Oregon (selective admissions):

Eye Exam

Ophthalmic Medical Technology

Prepares students to become Certified Ophthalmic Technicians (COT) with skills and knowledge in a wide variety of ophthalmology areas: optics; ocular pharmacology; ocular anatomy; contact lens fitting; surgical assisting; instrument maintenance and care; refractometry; ocular pathology, eye examination skills, ocular imaging; diagnostic testing, and more.

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Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for the Associate degree program at Portland Community College (selective admissions).

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Associate of Applied Science programs in Oregon (selective admissions)

Physical Therapy Session

Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistants work with physical therapists to help patients meet their functional goals. Through exercises, symptom management, functional movement training, and self-care techniques, they help patients gain the skills and confidence to move confidently and comfortably and prevent injury. They can work in a wide variety of settings such as outpatient physical therapy clinics, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and in-home care.

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Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for the Associate degree program at Lane Community College (selective admissions).

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Associate of Applied Science programs in Oregon (selective admissions)

Child at the Pediatrician

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory care is a discipline that uses scientific principles to carry out physician directed diagnosis and treatment of abnormal respiratory conditions. Students learn, in classrooms and at hospitals, about helping adults, babies, and children with breathing problems. After they finish the program, they can take an exam to become certified to work as a respiratory therapist. They can work in hospitals, medical clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home care, research, education and medical equipment sales.

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Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for Associate or Bachelor degree programs in Respiratory Therapy at other Oregon colleges and universities (all programs are selective admissions).  See Bachelor Degree programs (including Bachelor degree completion for students with an Associate degree).

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Associate of Applied Science programs in Oregon (selective admissions)

Surgery

Surgical Technician

Surgical technologists are an integral part of the operating room team and provide surgical care to patients in a variety of settings.  Students learn sterile and aseptic techniques, human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of diagnostic and surgical procedures.

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Central Oregon students can complete the pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for an Associate of Applied Science program at another Oregon community college. 

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Oregon Associate of Applied Science programs:

Teacher and Pupil

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist, the SLPA helps children and adults with communication disorders in order to improve their ability to speak, listen and interact with others. SLPAs are responsible for delivering therapy services to children and adults as well as taking and tracking data.  They work closely with others in a variety of settings including: early intervention (birth-5 years programs), schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice of a speech language pathologist.

 

Associate of Applied Science and Certificate of Completion available in Oregon (selective admissions):

Information About Registered Nurse Programs

Students are eligible to become registered nurses after completing an Associate of Applied Science or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Additionally, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam after completing their degree.

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RN programs require selective admissions application and many are very competitive to get into.  It is recommended that students apply to more than one school.  Research each school's admission requirements because they vary by school (also attend RN program Information Sessions if offered).  The Pre-Nursing Advisor at COCC assists students with creating an academic plan to apply to the COCC RN program as well as other programs across the state (and beyond).

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All RN programs require pre-requisites which take about 1-2 years to complete. Once admitted into an RN program, it will take another 2-3 years to complete the degree. Some programs prepare students to take the NCLEX-PN exam after the first year in the program to be licensed as a Practical Nurse (LPN).

 

Students are encouraged to research both Associate degree and Bachelor degree programs to assess which is the best fit for them. Learn about how each degree impacts wages, advancement, hiring, and employment opportunities. Students may choose a program based on where they are admitted, cost of attendance, financial aid opportunities, and location.

 

Also note that students can transition from an Associate of Applied Science degree to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing by completing an RN to BSN bridge program (usually about one year).

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It is required that students complete a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing if they plan to apply to graduate school to pursue advanced practice such as a Nurse Practitioner.

 

Students can learn more about nursing pathways and education by contacting the COCC Health Careers Outreach Coordinator:

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Oregon Registered Nurse Programs

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