Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) Track

1 

Medical Assistant

Description: A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who supports doctors and medical staff with both clinical tasks—like taking vital signs, drawing blood, preparing examination rooms, and assisting during exams—and administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, handling billing or insurance forms, and greeting patients

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Required Experience/Certifications: Most employers prefer completion of an accredited medical assistant program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree) and national certification such as CMA, RMA, or NCMA. Some roles accept a high school diploma with on-the-job training. BLS/CPR certification is often required.

• How to get that experience/certification:

  • Check local community colleges, vocational schools, or reputable online programs — admissions staff can walk you through costs, timelines, and what’s included.

  • Sign up for a medical assistant program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree) — most take 9–24 months and include built-in hands-on practice.

  • Complete the hands-on training/externship in a clinic or doctor’s office so you can apply what you’ve learned.

  • Take a national certification exam (CMA, RMA, or NCMA) after finishing your program — your instructors will help with registration.

  • Get BLS/CPR certified through the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or sometimes directly through your school.

  • Look for hospital or clinic “on-the-job training” programs — some employers will hire entry-level staff with a high school diploma and train you while you work.

  • Apply for medical assistant apprenticeships if offered in your area — these combine paid work with classroom learning.​

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Establishments we recommend you explore:

• Norman Regional Health System – offers a variety of entry-level roles, internships, and training opportunities.

• Mercy Hospital (OKC & surrounding areas) – sometimes hires for medical assistant roles with on-the-job training.

• OU Health – connected to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, with education-friendly career paths.

• SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – offers both experienced and entry-level medical support positions.

• Immediate Care of Oklahoma – multiple urgent care locations that hire medical assistants and front office staff.

• Red Cross – Oklahoma Region – great for obtaining CPR/BLS certification and healthcare volunteer experience.

2

Scribe

Description: A medical scribe is a healthcare professional who works alongside physicians and other medical providers to document patient encounters in real time, entering information into electronic health records (EHRs). They ensure accurate and thorough charting, record medical histories, update test results, and help providers focus on patient care by handling the bulk of documentation.

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Required Experience/Certifications: Most employers require a high school diploma and strong typing/technology skills, along with knowledge of medical terminology. Completion of a medical scribe training program or certification (such as from the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group or The American College of Medical Scribe Specialists) is preferred but not always required. Some roles provide on-the-job training.

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• How to get that experience/certification:

  • Search for accredited medical scribe training programs online or through community colleges — some can be completed in a few weeks to a few months.

  • Learn medical terminology and anatomy — either through standalone courses or as part of a scribe training program.

  • Practice EHR systems (many training programs include simulations of popular medical record platforms).

  • Develop typing speed and accuracy — most employers prefer at least 60 words per minute.

  • Consider scribe certification (e.g., Certified Medical Scribe Professional or Apprentice) through recognized organizations.

  • Apply for entry-level scribe positions at hospitals, clinics, or with scribe staffing companies — many offer paid on-the-job training.

  • Volunteer or intern in healthcare settings to gain familiarity with workflows and documentation practices.

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Establishments we recommend you explore:

• Norman Regional Health System – Often hires scribes for emergency and specialty clinics, with training provided.

• OU Health – Large hospital system with outpatient and inpatient opportunities for scribes, especially in specialty departments.

• Mercy Hospital (OKC & surrounding areas) – Hires for scribe roles within clinics and hospital departments.

• ScribeAmerica – National scribe staffing company that frequently recruits in Oklahoma; provides paid training.

• iScribes (Nuance Communications) – Remote and in-person scribe positions with flexible schedules.

• INTEGRIS Health – Large OKC-based hospital network that occasionally hires for in-house scribe positions.

• SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Offers medical scribe roles in both hospital and clinic settings.

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3

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Description: An EMT provides emergency medical care in prehospital settings, such as assessing patients, performing CPR, controlling bleeding, splinting fractures, and transporting patients to medical facilities.

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Required Experience/Certifications: Requires completion of a state-approved EMT course and passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.

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• How to get that experience/certification:

  • Find a local EMT training program (community colleges, fire departments, or EMS academies).

  • Complete classroom and hands-on training in emergency care.

  • Pass the NREMT exam and obtain state licensure.

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Establishments we recommend you explore:

• EMSA (Emergency Medical Services Authority) – OKC metro

• Moore Norman Technology Center EMT program

• Fire department EMS divisions in the Norman/OKC area

4

Nurse Assistant/Patient Care Associate/Nurse Tech.

Description: A Nurse Assistant, Patient Care Associate, or Nurse Tech is a frontline healthcare professional who supports nurses and other medical staff by providing basic patient care. Duties may include helping patients with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating), taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, changing linens, and observing and reporting patient conditions to the nursing team. They work closely with patients, offering both physical and emotional support.

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Required Experience/Certifications: Most employers require completion of a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program and passing the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) exam. Some hospitals hire Nurse Techs who are enrolled in nursing school. BLS/CPR certification is also commonly required.

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• How to get that experience/certification:

  • Search for state-approved CNA programs through community colleges, vocational schools, long-term care facilities, or hospitals.

  • Complete classroom and hands-on training in patient care, safety procedures, and infection control.

  • Pass your state’s CNA certification exam to be listed on the nurse aide registry.

  • Obtain BLS/CPR certification through the American Heart Association or Red Cross.

  • If you’re a nursing student, check with your school or local hospitals — many hire Nurse Techs who have completed a set number of nursing school clinical hours.

  • Apply to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehab centers for CNA, PCA, or Nurse Tech roles — some offer paid training programs for new hires.

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Establishments we recommend you explore:​

• Norman Regional Health System – Offers CNA, PCA, and Nurse Tech positions; often hires nursing students.

• OU Health – Hires both certified nurse aides and nurse techs (including nursing students) for inpatient care units.

• Mercy Hospital (OKC & surrounding areas) – Frequently recruits CNAs and PCAs in various hospital departments.

• INTEGRIS Health – Large network with roles in hospitals, rehab facilities, and specialty units.

• SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Offers CNA and PCA roles in inpatient and long-term care settings.

• Long-term care and rehabilitation centers such as Grace Living Center, The Fountains at Canterbury, and Brookdale Senior Living.

• Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Oklahoma City – Opportunities for CNAs and patient care staff in a federal healthcare setting.