Medical Science

Preparing students for a wide variety of health care careers! Students can graduate high school as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA-NHA). Check out this introduction to the Medical Science pathway video.

ORCA ASCEND Medical Sciences Pathway students will leave high school well prepared to enter a variety of healthcare careers. Students who complete this pathway use their newfound health care knowledge and experience in one of two main ways: 1) Students may choose to go straight into the healthcare workforce as a CCMA-NHA right after high school, or 2) Students may leverage their coursework, internship experience, and healthcare certifications to gain acceptance into competitive future healthcare training opportunities. This program is built to be foundational to any healthcare career choice, such as phlebotomist, EKG technician, physical therapist, nurse, or even doctor.


During their coursework ORCA ASCEND Medical Sciences Pathway students will learn about human diseases, disorders, diagnostic tests and treatments; how to ethically and professionally act in a variety of healthcare settings; learn how to perform and interpret routine medical exams; how to don and doff personal protective equipment; and how to perform CPR/AED/First Aid. On top of this coursework, students will have numerous opportunities to visit local clinics for tours, talk to healthcare professionals during synchronous video lessons, and learn about a wide-variety of health care career choices.


Medical Science Pathway courses can include, Introduction to Healthcare Careers, Medical Terminology, Health Science Education I/II, Medical Law & Ethics, CCMA Exam Preparation, and a Medical Science Internship/Capstone course.

You might love a career in the Medical Science field if:

  • You enjoy helping people.

  • You are interested in job stability and growth.

  • You want to be able to live or work anywhere in the United States.

  • You are motivated to succeed.

  • You enjoy collaborating.

  • You would like to build customer service skills.

  • You are detail-oriented.

  • You are comfortable in a fast-paced setting.

  • You like learning about how things work.

  • You want to be a lifelong learner.

ASCEND Medical Science graduates have many degree and certification options after completing High School. Some examples include:

  • Certificates: Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, Cardiographic Technician, Telemetry Monitor Technician, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, or Dental Assistant.

  • Associate degrees: Health Administration, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, or Cardiovascular technology.

  • Bachelor degrees: Nursing, Biology, or Pre-Med.

  • Master degrees: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Public Health, Master of Health Administration or Master of Science Healthcare Management.

  • Terminal degrees: Doctorate Degree in Nursing (DNP), PhD in Nursing, Medical Degree (MD), PhD in Healthcare Administration, or PhD in Biomedical Research.


Examples of possible careers that ASCEND graduates can pursue:

  • Medical Assistant

  • Phlebotomy Technician

  • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) & Paramedic

  • EKG Technician

  • Cardiographic Technician

  • Telemetry Monitor Technician

  • Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

  • Dental Assistant

  • Neurodiagnostic Technician

  • Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer

  • Cath Lab Technician

  • Medical Front Office Administration Specialist


  • Behavioral Technician Specialist

  • Vascular Technician

  • Respiratory Therapist

  • Radiologic Technician

  • Occupational Therapist

  • Athletic Trainer

  • Nursing

  • Biomedical Researcher

  • Healthcare Administrator

  • Informaticist

  • Epidemiologist

  • Genetic Counselor

  • Physician


DID YOU KNOW?

The Certified Medical Assistant training program through

Portland Community College costs around $6,500 to complete,

but the ASCEND CCMA program is FREE for ORCA students.

Your ASCEND Master Teachers:

Dr. elizabeth "beth" Washak

Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Washak, DC has a Bachelor’s in Science and a Doctorate in Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Washak worked as a CNA through college and in chiropractic for over ten years rising to the level of clinical director of her own practice. She has extensive experience in patient care and education, medical coding and billing, medical annotation and is a certified BLS instructor through the American Heart Association (AHA)

Other ASCEND Medical Science Teachers

Mrs. Amy Lee

Mrs. Lee began her career as an athletic trainer after graduating from Oregon State University. While managing a physical therapy clinic, she went back to school to become a licensed massage therapist. After a few years, she began teaching massage therapy classes and discovered her love for teaching. Mrs. Lee recently completed her Master of Education degree through Grand Canyon University. She is excited to share her knowledge about the amazing human body, her personal experiences, and all the ways to be involved in the healthcare field with her students!


Mrs. Anika Miller

Mrs. Miller earned her Master of Education (MEd) and Master of Science Teaching (MST) from Portland State University and Bachelor Degree in Cellular & Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Humboldt State University. She graduated from high school as a Kaiser Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) during the first year that the CTE program option was being offered at her high school (some 20-odd years ago). Mrs. Miller used her CMA to work in the healthcare field through college at her university's health centers. Mrs. Miller is passionate about helping students to pursue their passions and interests, particularly when it comes to finding your way in the world after high school.

Mrs. Miller lives in the southern Oregon Coast with her husband, two young children, and many furry and scaly friends. When not at her desk, she can usually be found kayaking, crabbing, running, or reading. Mrs. Miller also enjoys coordinating and organizing fundraising events for the food bank and other charitable organizations in her local community.