Diploma Professional Medical Assistant - IDL

The goal of the Diploma Professional Medical Assistant - IDL (DPMA-IDL) program is to introduce students to the specialized training needed for entry-level employment in medical offices, clinics, laboratories and hospitals. The course content includes theory and practical applications in both administrative and clinical procedures.

Content includes anatomy and physiology; clinical procedures such as vital signs, injections, venipuncture, urinalysis and electrocardiography; emergency and surgical procedures; patient preparation; patient medical records; accounting and insurance claims processing using EMR software; appointment scheduling; and effective telephone communications. Students also learn how to manage a medical office or healthcare facility. Graduates receive a diploma.

The Salem DPMA-IDL is an accelerated interactive distance learning program that combines online learning with face-to-face classroom and lab experiences. Instructors average 15-plus years of field experience, and a 160-hour externship at an affiliated medical office, clinic or hospital is required for graduation.

IOT is a testing site for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), though not affiliated with it, and may cover a one-time national certification exam fee (up to $90.00) as designated by a graduate’s Supply Fee Disclosure.

All applicants first meet with an Admissions Representative (in person or virtually) and with Financial Aid, must be at least 18 years of age (verified through a government-issued ID), and must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid GED, or proof of completing an officially recognized and accredited home-school program. IDL applicants must pass the online Computer Literacy and Internet Knowledge (CLIK) pre-assessment.

Professional Medical Assistant applicants without a standard high school diploma or GED may be eligible under the Ability to Benefit provision, including through the C4L Academy Eligible Career Pathway Program, with passing ACCUPLACER scores of Reading 233, Writing 235 and Arithmetic 230. Students with delinquent student loans must resolve them to be considered for enrollment.

This is a hybrid program: classes are conducted on campus and online, with on-campus attendance required at least one day per week during each academic week (Monday through Sunday). The 40-week program includes a 160-hour externship whose hours may differ from scheduled on-campus days.

On-campus sessions run 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (day) or 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (night), on a set weekday per module. Monthly starts include November 16, 2026 (ending September 2, 2027) and January 4, 2027 (ending October 7, 2027).

Graduates are introduced to the specialized training needed for entry-level employment in medical offices, clinics, laboratories and hospitals as a medical assistant, in roles such as Clinical Medical Assistant, Laboratory Assistant, EKG Assistant, Hospital Unit Secretary, Radiology Secretary, Admitting Representative, Medical Receptionist and Medical Records Clerk.

Graduates may be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (NCCT-NCMA) exam. National certification is not required to work as a Medical Assistant in Oregon, but IOT strongly encourages it.

All students must complete an externship to receive a diploma, and must meet all immunization, screening and CPR requirements outlined at enrollment. Uniforms are required; textbooks, uniforms and course materials are provided or purchased by the student.

Active engagement online (assignments, quizzes and discussion posts) is monitored weekly; missing an on-campus day or five consecutive days of online engagement triggers an at-risk notification and academic advising.