Application deadlines near; Information meetings slated
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES – Two workforce fast-entry training programs offered by Rogue Community College (RCC) are now enrolling new students. The application process is open now for the nine-month Medical Assistant program beginning spring term 2023 and the 12-month Dental Assistant program beginning summer term 2023. These in-demand programs each lead to a certificate and prepare graduates to enter growing, well-paying careers.
The deadline to apply for the Medical Assistant program is Feb. 27, with classes beginning April 3, 2023. According to the Oregon Employment Department (OED) the average annual salary for medical assistants in the Rogue Valley is $43,482 with an average of 164 job openings annually and a strong job growth trend of 23.2% predicted over the next 10 years.
For the Dental Assistant program, priority is given to those who apply by Feb. 28. Applications will be accepted through March 15. Courses begin in July. The average annual wage for dental assistants in the Rogue Valley, according to OED, is $48,075. Approximately 51 new job openings in dental assisting are currently seeking qualified staff in the region and employment in this field is projected to grow by 25% over the next 10 years.
Information about these and other RCC Allied Health programs is available on the RCC website by searching for Allied Health Occupations or by visiting www.roguecc.edu/AHO.
All students considering either program must attend a free information meeting. The next available sessions are scheduled via Zoom on Feb. 7, 12–1 p.m., using Zoom Link/Meeting ID: 2530229200, or in person on Feb. 16, 5–6 p.m., at the Health Professions Center Lobby, Table Rock Campus, 7800 Pacific Avenue, White City. Assistance with the RCC enrollment process and financial aid will be available. For Dental Assistant students, one additional Zoom information session is available on March 7, 12–1 p.m., using the meeting details listed above.
For questions about Medical Assistant program prerequisites, classes and costs, students are encouraged to review the RCC website by searching for Medical Assistant or use this link: roguecc.edu/catalog2022-23/Maps/AHO-medAssist-Cert.asp. Medical Assistant Program Advisor Jennifer Konarske is also available to assist with questions at 541-956-7445 or jknonarske@roguecc.edu.
Graduates of the Medical Assistant program can pursue becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and/or Certified ECG Technician (CET) through the National Health Career Association (NHA) after graduation from the program.
Dental Assistant students with questions on prerequisites, classes and costs, are encouraged to review the RCC website by searching for Dental Assistant or use this link: www.roguecc.edu/dental. They may also contact Dental Assistant Program Advisor Carmen Mons at 541-956-7370 or cmons@roguecc.edu.
RCC offers two-minute introductory videos summarizing both programs for quick review. The Medical Assistant video may be viewed on the RCC Medical Assistant webpage, or via YouTube at: https://youtu.be/TUwkUZBtHA0. The Dental Assistant program may be viewed on the RCC Dental Assistant webpage, or via YouTube at: https://youtu.be/nup11zPrJmU.