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Medical Assistant Externship Jobs in Springfield, OR

Medical Assistant Externship information

See Springfield, OR salary details

$13

$20

$28

How much do medical assistant externship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical assistant externship in Springfield, OR is $20.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $22.64 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.
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What cities near Springfield, OR are hiring for Medical Assistant Externship jobs? Cities near Springfield, OR with the most Medical Assistant Externship job openings:

HRSA - Community Health Worker- Training Program

OCHIN

Eugene, OR • On-site

$19.25 - $25.25/hr

Other

Medical

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

**** This is a Community Health Worker Training Program. Qualified Candidates will live within 30-45minutes of Eugene, Oregon***
Next Cohort Begins: 1/14/2025 Training Program Description

Throughout this program, you will learn the essential concepts and skills needed to function as a Community Health Worker (CHW) to become a vital bridge between healthcare, social services, and the people in your community who need them most. After completion, you will receive the credit hours necessary to apply for CHW licensure in Oregon.

This program is ideal for anyone committed to helping patients and their families gain timely, individualized access to the quality health care and specialized community support services they deserve. It's designed for students of any background, even those newer to health care.

Note: This program includes both online classroom training and on-site hands-on internship/externship training.

Training Program Details:

  • This is a temporary training program lasting approximately 550 hours.
  • Approximately 150 hours of didactic learning and a total of 400 hours of on-site in-person internship
  • This training program requires the learners to participate Mon-Fri,8 AM-5 PM for the duration of the program.
  • The total program stipend is $7,500. The $7500 is divided for the duration of the program and payment is made on OCHIN's semi-monthly pay schedule.

Training Program Covers:

  • History of Community Health Workers
  • Introduction to Community Health Workers
  • Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
  • Health Literacy as a Barrier
  • Telehealth Literacy
  • Broad Determinants of Health
  • Health Disparities
  • Cultural Health Beliefs
  • Communication Techniques
  • Managing Referrals
  • Healthcare Financing
  • Legal Advocacy
  • Documentation
  • Safety Concerns
  • Screening for Social Risk Factors
  • EHR Systems & Population Health Management
  • Technology in Community Care
  • Social Service Resource Locators.

Training Program Benefits

  • Play a pivotal role in advancing health equity and strengthening the circle of community care.
  • Learn to advocate on behalf of patients and their families-facilitating timely access to key community resources including information, insurance, food, housing, and more.
  • Special emphasis on working in community-based settings-including communication barriers; health model characteristics; and impact of culture and socioeconomic status on health.

CHW Description:

Community health workers (CHWs) play a vital and unique role in linking diverse and underserved populations to health and social service systems. Community Health Workers will primarily be working out in the community with specific target populations. CHW's will work closely with medical providers, primary care teams, and other agencies to improve patient care and outcomes. Community health workers (CHWs) have a close understanding of the community they serve. This trusting relationship enables them to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. Community health workers also build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.

The CHW duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Establish trusting relationships with patients and their families while providing support, encouragement, and feedback.
  • Coach patients in effective management of their chronic health conditions and self-care.
  • Convey the purposes and services of a program to the user population and the impact the program or service would have.
  • Assist patients in understanding care plans and instructions.
  • May need to visit patients in their homes to assess the patient, their living conditions, and meet with family members or caretakers.
  • Document activities, service plans, and results in an effective manner while strictly adhering to the policies and procedures in place.
  • Advocate for patient and act as a liaison between the patient/family and community service agencies (I.e., schools, hospitals, support groups, etc.).
  • Help patients in utilizing resources, including scheduling appointments, and assisting with completion of applications for programs for which they may be eligible.
  • Assist patients in accessing health related services, including but not limited to: obtaining a medical home, providing instruction on appropriate use of the medical home, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed medical care and social services.
  • Facilitate communication and coordinate services between providers.
  • Motivate patients to be active, engaged participants in their health.
  • Effectively work with people (staff, clients, doctors, agencies, etc) from diverse backgrounds in reducing cultural and socio-economic barriers between clients and institutions.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with the clients, providers, nurse case managers, agency representatives, supervisors and office staff.
  • Continuously expand knowledge and understanding of community resources, services and programs provided; human relations and the procedures used in dealing with the public as part of a service or program; volunteer resources and the practices associated with using volunteers, operations, functions, policies and procedures associated with the department or program area, procedures and resources available to handle new, unusual or different situations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Training Program Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Participants must live within 30min-45min from the Service site location of Eugene, OR
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident/Green Card holder (not open to non-citizens or Visa holders)
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is beneficial for this role
  • Must be able to pass a national criminal background check successfully.