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Medical Assistant Externship Jobs in Ridgefield, WA

Care Coordinator 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Completion of a nationally recognized accredited medical assistant training program, including a practicum (externship) of at least 160 hours, OR * Successful completion of a formal medical services ...

Showing results 21-40

Medical Assistant Externship information

See Ridgefield, WA salary details

$13

$21

$29

How much do medical assistant externship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical assistant externship in Ridgefield, WA is $21.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $23.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical assistant externship?

A Medical Assistant Externship is a supervised, hands-on training experience that allows students to apply their classroom learning in a real healthcare setting. During the externship, students work alongside experienced medical professionals, performing tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with patient exams, and handling administrative duties. This experience helps students gain practical skills, build confidence, and prepare for entry-level positions as Medical Assistants. Externships are typically unpaid and are a required component of most medical assistant training programs.

How do medical assistant externships work?

A medical assistant externship is a supervised, hands-on training program that allows students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in healthcare settings. Externs typically work alongside licensed medical assistants and healthcare professionals, performing clinical and administrative tasks while developing skills and earning certifications. The program duration varies, and completion often leads to better job prospects in the medical assisting field.

What are some common challenges faced during a medical assistant externship, and how can I overcome them?

During a Medical Assistant Externship, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced clinical environment, balancing hands-on tasks with learning new procedures, and building confidence when interacting with patients and healthcare professionals. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to stay organized, communicate openly with your supervisor or mentor, and proactively seek feedback. Remember that externships are designed for learning, so don't hesitate to ask questions or request clarification when needed—this will help you gain the most from your experience and prepare you for a successful career.

What is the difference between Medical Assistant Externship vs Medical Assistant?

AspectMedical Assistant ExternshipMedical Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires completion of a training program; certification may be optionalRequires completion of a training program; certification (CMA or RMA) often preferred
Work EnvironmentHands-on training in clinical and administrative settings, often supervisedFull-time clinical and administrative duties in healthcare facilities
UsageEducational experience to gain practical skills before employmentProfessional role performing patient care and administrative tasks

The Medical Assistant Externship provides students with practical, supervised experience to prepare for a career as a Medical Assistant. In contrast, a Medical Assistant is a trained professional who performs clinical and administrative duties independently. The externship is a temporary training period, while the Medical Assistant role is a full-time position in healthcare settings.

Do medical assistant externs get paid?

Medical assistant externs are typically unpaid internships that provide hands-on experience and training. However, some externships may offer stipends or hourly pay, depending on the program and organization. It is important to check the specific externship details for compensation information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical assistant extern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Assistant Extern, you need foundational knowledge of clinical procedures, basic patient care, and administrative tasks, typically gained through a medical assisting program. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical terminology, and standard office equipment is frequently required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and professionalism help you excel in supporting patients and collaborating with healthcare teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring effective patient care and a smooth workflow during your externship experience.

How do I get a job as a medical assistant externship with no experience?

To secure a medical assistant externship with no experience, focus on completing a certified training program to gain foundational skills and knowledge. Highlight any relevant coursework, volunteer work, or certifications like CPR on your resume, and demonstrate a strong interest in healthcare during interviews. Some programs may also offer paid or unpaid externship opportunities designed for beginners.
What cities near Ridgefield, WA are hiring for Medical Assistant Externship jobs? Cities near Ridgefield, WA with the most Medical Assistant Externship job openings:

$30.34 - $41.02/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Function/Duties of Position
The Department of Psychiatry within the Adult Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic is recruting for a Care Coordinator 2.
This is a clinical support role that is vital in supporting the work of the clinical support staff and providers, consisting of students and learners, residents, and fellows, within the Adult Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic. This individual will independently perform a variety of clinical administrative and technical duties. The Care Coordinator performs activities that are system-focused, ensuring the care is seamless across providers and the care continuum. Care coordination is the task of bridging gaps between facilites, specialists, labs, community resources, and primary care. The Care Coordinator works with the providers to provide clinical support with order entry, medication refills, medication prior authorizations, non-nursing support and education to the patient and family member.
The Care Coordinator reviews patient records and referrals in order to provide coordination of the patient needs prior-to, during the clinic visit, and through the episode of treatment. The care coordinator takes direction from providers, but must use independent judgement within their scope in implementation of those directions. The Care Coordinator will also work with the PAS to provide seamless scheduling, follow up, and communication with patients as appropriate. The care coordinator helps to build and maintain good working relationships with the internal institutional departments as well as external stake holders that provide services to the Adult Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic.
Required Qualifications
Three years' experience in a hospital or hospital based clinic setting, AND
High School diploma or equivalent, AND
Current BLS certification at hire, AND
One of the following four:
1. Completion of a nationally recognized accredited medical assistant training program, including a practicum (externship) of at least 160 hours, OR
2. Successful completion of a formal medical services training program of the United States Armed Forces, OR
3. Current Oregon Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license (basic or advance) and national EMT registration with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), OR
4. Current Oregon Practical Nurse License
For those completing medical assistant training or formal military medical services training as referenced above in #1 and #2, the following is also required (Those qualifying under the EMT or LPN are exempt from this requirement.)
MA certification received from a nationally recognized and accredited certifying body, upon hire or by the completion of the probationary period or internal job change evaluation period, as appropriate. Currently, these include:
  • The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), awarding the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA.) The American Medical Technologists (AMT), awarding the Registered Medical Assistant (R.M.A.)
  • The National Center for Competency Testing, awarding the National Certified MA (NCMA.)
  • The National Health Career Association, awarding the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA.)

Any applicable certifications or licensures must be maintained for the duration of employment.
In addition to receiving the appropriate certification noted above, Medical Assistants will be required to successfully demonstrate competencies prior to completion of probation or the internal job change evaluation period, as appropriate.
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of the team, including leadership.
  • Knowledge of patient flow and back office functions.
  • Ability to effectively and efficiently perform chart scrubbing and panel outreach activities.
  • Demonstrated strong analytic skills, including displaying and interpreting data.
  • Proficiency with EPIC, Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Power Point.
  • Ability to manage time sensitive competing demands and meet headlines.
  • Working knowledge of medical terminology.
  • Strong relationship building skills, excellent communication skills, exceptional customer service skills, highly sensitive to patient needs.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and attention to the needs of Special need patients and their caregivers and families.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Basic medical terminology understanding.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a wide variety of diverse customers in difficult situations.
  • Experience with an electronic health record.
  • Strong problem solver who can evaluate a situation and ask the critical questions to understand the problem and then select a solution resulting in problem resolution.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills.
  • Active listening skills; ability to deal with customers in stressful situations; ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • Excellent customer service skills both in person and on the telephone.
  • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to complete multiple tasks within inflexible and rapidly changing deadlines.
  • Good organization, follow through and time management skills; ability to prioritize.
  • Ability to create and maintain quality working relationships with staff and faculty at all levels of the organization, using good judgment in recognizing the scope of authority.

Performance Factors:
  • Attendance and dependability: Consistent and regular attendance to work.
  • Can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
  • Willing to work overtime as necessary depending on volume of work.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 3 years experience as a Certified Medical Assistant in a hospital clinic setting.
  • Experience with Epic and Cadence (scheduling module).

Additional Details
Applicants from traditionally under-represented and under-served communities are strongly encouraged to apply. OHSU values diversity and is dedicated to building a workforce and providing service to our community that is steeped in antiracism and cultural humility. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status.
Apply here online:
Upload cover letter and resume. Please be sure to include months and years (MM/YYYY format) to the resume for jobs/work experience.
*OHSU Employees be sure to apply using your OHSU email.*
Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

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Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887