Health Career Programs

Madras Campus

Following a transformative expansion project, Central Oregon students will be able to pursue health education programs beyond the Bend Campus. Beginning Fall 2025, the COCC Madras Campus also will offer Nursing, Nursing Assistant, and Medical Assistant programs, adding to existing offerings on the Bend Campus. 

COCC Madras classes will be held in the new campus building, which includes a state-of-the-art Nursing laboratory. Students will receive additional training at the St. Charles-Madras Hospital, as well as clinical hours at long-term care facilities in Madras.

Enroll now in prerequisite courses. Application deadline is September 15.

Nursing

COCC's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program trains students for a dynamic and rewarding health care career.

Nursing is a selective admissions program, and students must first complete  prerequisite coursework. Sign up for a Nursing Program Information Session for details.

Nursing prerequisite courses are available in Madras or hybrid/online formats in 2024-25.

Additional application requirements must also be met.

The Madras Nursing cohort will consist of eight students and admissions priority will be given to residents of Jefferson County or members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Crook County students will receive the next priority followed by students in the remainder of the college’s district. Details are available in the Nursing Selective Admissions Handbook.

NURSING ASSISTANT

COCC's Nursing Assistant class prepares students to be certified nursing assistants (CNAs), supporting patients with daily living and health care as part of a team and under direct supervision.

The Nursing Assistant option is a one-term, 7-credit course, which will be offered twice per year at the Madras Campus.

Nursing Assistant students register first-come, first-served and must meet eligibility requirements. The Madras course will accept up to 10 students each term, expected start date Winter 2026. The Nursing Assistant class is available in Bend Fall term 2024.

MEDICAL ASSISTANT

The COCC Medical Assistant (MA) program trains students for a high-demand, entry-level health care career.

The MA program is a one-year certificate of completion program and begins in Madras Fall term 2025.

Registration is first come, first served once students complete 10-12 prerequisite credits and meet other entrance requirements.