When Mandalynn Marcus describes possible career tracks to students of her Health Information Management classes at Central Oregon Community College (COCC), the program director often refers to her own resume as proof of what’s possible. She includes patient access specialist, information technician and instructor among the professional roles she’s held.

“It’s a dynamic career, and we help ensure graduates are able to thrive as professionals in the field,” explains Marcus — herself a graduate of the COCC program — who adds that billing, coding and insurance are all part of the industry’s reach.

With classes taught online, “HIM” training at COCC accommodates busy schedules, but also provides office hours and time for personal attention. The one-year certificate option, for quicker employability, has a coding focus and includes coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and data systems. The two-year degree adds courses in management, communications and computer technology. Both paths connect to a workforce brimming with opportunity and well-paid positions: The average annual wage for medical records specialists in the area is $66,330, with Central Oregon currently ranked as the top-paying nonmetropolitan area in the entire country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Every health care program we currently offer has jobs available right now,” says Julie Downing, instructional dean at the college. “There is a huge demand for medical assistants, nursing assistants, nurses, dental assistants, pharmacy technicians and veterinary technicians in Central Oregon.”

While some of COCC’s health career training is online, most is in person. On a recent day at the Bend campus, students head for lectures and labs in the Health Careers Center, a modern, three-level facility with specialty learning environments. Program-specific scrubs — such as royal blue for Nursing, purple and black for Medical Assistant and gray for Dental Assisting — are like team colors for career ambitions.

It’s a busy building, home to the Nursing program, which includes a Certified Nursing Assistant program, and four other disciplines: Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician, the latter with training now redesigned and attainable in just two terms. Another fast career track: An 11-week Phlebotomy class that leads to the in-demand field of drawing blood, prepping students for work in settings like laboratories and blood donor centers.

Some health care programs, such as the college’s Redmond-based Veterinary Technician discipline, are arranged as cohorts, where students start together and conduct their studies, full time, over a set period. Other options allow for a part-time focus. The Community Health Worker certificate, for instance, which instructs students on how to help others navigate the health care system, doesn’t require a nonstop commitment.

Across all departments, the college emphasizes hands-on training and immersive skill-building, including a simulated ambulance for Emergency Medical Services students, a fully functioning dental clinic, a mock retail-pharmacy, a simulated hospital wing and a range of workplace practicums. Graduates soon step into key workplace roles.

“My instructors ensured I had the skills and knowledge to succeed in the field and provide high-quality care to my patients,” said Lucy Lawrence, a Medical Assistant grad employed with St. Charles Health System — and recently accepted into medical school. “It’s a great steppingstone to more advanced careers.”

To meet the rising needs of surging health care fields, COCC is continually updating and expanding its educational catalog. The college will soon be offering a bachelor’s degree in nursing, or BSN. “The program is expected to start in fall of 2026 and offer approximately 10 openings to begin with,” shared Downing, who adds that the program will be open to those who hold a current registered nurse license and who graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. A BSN opens doors to higher-paying leadership and administrative roles.

Also on the horizon: The college’s Madras campus is adding a 24,000-square-foot building — with an anticipated opening of fall 2025 — that will bring degree and certificate programs in Nursing, Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant to the area. Interested students are encouraged to begin taking prerequisite classes now to be ready for program launches.

Curious about a health care career and want to learn more? Attend a one-hour information session, in person or on Zoom, for job descriptions, entrance requirements and expected salaries. Contact Jill Ridling, health careers outreach coordinator, at healthcareers@cocc.edu or visit cocc.edu/departments/allied-health.

COCC’s fall term application deadline is Sept. 15; classes begin Sept. 23.