Free Entry-level Health Care Career Training at OHSU
Applications open two to three months before training starts. Please check back regularly for updates. You can explore health care jobs at OHSU anytime.
CNA, dental assistant, medical assistant and phlebotomist programs
Ready to build a career in health care? OHSU’s Building Bridges free job training and certification program is a great way to start. Take classes to learn and work in one of these health professions:
To be eligible, you:
- Have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- Are 18 or older.
- Have experience working with the public.
This training opportunity is open to everyone. However, people who identify as BIPOC or low income are highly encouraged to apply.
Explore entry-level health care training opportunities
Follow your career path to OHSU with free health care job training and certification. Here’s how to participate:
- Choose a career pathway and submit an application when a link is available. Please only apply for one pathway.
- We will contact selected applicants within two months for an interview.
- If selected, you will take classes to learn the role and get certified. Classes last a few weeks to several months depending on the pathway.
- After completing training, apply for the job at OHSU. If hired, we request you work in that role for at least one year.
- As an OHSU employee, you’ll have access to exceptional benefits.
Building Bridges pay
For our building bridges trainee roles (Medical Assistant and Dental Assistant pathways), we have agreed that the roles posted should show 4% below range minimum. An applicant with no experience would receive the 4% below range minimum. Applicants with some experience would be credited for any experience, starting at range minimum, and anything relevant would be counted towards their starting pay. So, the only pay difference between these building bridges roles and regular roles is this 4% below range minimum.
Free CNA training and certification
Prepare for a career as a certified nursing assistant and earn your CNA certification in eight weeks. Trainings are in-person at Mount Hood Community College and OHSU, 2-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note, training times and dates may change.
Group 1: July 2024 (application closed)
Group 2: January 2025 (application closed)
Group 3: June 2025 (application opens March 2025)
Free dental assistant training and certification
Prepare for a career as a dental assistant and earn your certification in nine months. Training occurs in-person at OHSU and online, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note, training dates and times may change.
Group 1: April 2024-December 2024 (application closed)
Group 2: October 2024-June 2025 (applications closed)
No further cohorts scheduled at this time.
Free medical assistant training and certification
Prepare for a career as a medical assistant and earn your certification in nine months. Training occurs in-person at OHSU and online, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note, training dates and times may change.
Group 1: July 2024-March 2025 (application closed)
Group 2: June 2025-February 2026 (application opens January 2025)
Free phlebotomist training and certification
Prepare for a career as a phlebotomist and earn your phlebotomy certification in seven weeks. Training includes five weeks in-person at OHSU and online, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and two weeks overnight at OHSU, 3-11:30 a.m. Please note, training dates and times may change.
Group 1: March 2025 (application opens January 2025)
Group 2: May 2025 (application opens January 2025)
Group 3: August 2025 (application opens June 2025)
Group 4: October 2025 (application opens June 2025)
Group 5: January 2026 (application opens October 2025)
Group 6: March 2026 (application opens October 2025)
Explore phlebotomist jobs at OHSU
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Building Bridges program work?
OHSU partners with AFSCME Local 328, United We Heal and Unite Oregon to build job pathways and remove financial barriers for people interested in the health care field. Participants receive free training to become a certified nursing assistant, dental assistant, medical assistant or phlebotomists and help fill these high-demand roles.
Is training actually free?
Yes, training and certifications through this program are free. Program funds may also cover some of your personal costs, like transportation and childcare.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, you have a high school diploma or the equivalent, are 18 or older, and have experience working with the public. If you are an OHSU employee, you have worked here for one year and are in good standing. If you are a represented OHSU employee, you have worked in your role for six months and are in good standing
Are there any prerequisites?
No. As long as you meet eligibility requirements, you can apply.
Will I take a final certification exam?
Yes, after completing your training courses, you can take an exam to get licensed or certified in your new role.
What if I fail courses or need to drop out of the program?
If you fail a course or can’t complete training, in special circumstances you may be able to repeat the course or re-apply to the program if space is available.
Will I have an OHSU job after I pass training?
After you successfully complete training, you can apply for that role at OHSU as a priority candidate. Successful dental assistant participants will automatically receive a job offer.
How does OHSU pay for this free training and certification program?
OHSU’s Building Bridges program uses funds it received from a Future Ready Oregon grant to offer these job training classes and certifications at no cost to participants. The three-year program is one way OHSU is helping more people build a career in health care.
What is Unite Oregon’s part in Building Bridges?
Through this program, Unite Oregon is working with United We Heal and OHSU to create a more diverse health care workforce and increase the pool of skilled, trained BIPOC individuals from marginalized low-income communities. Unite Oregon is a membership organization led by BIPOC individuals, immigrants and refugees, rural communities, and people experiencing poverty.
What is AFSCME Local 328’s part in the program?
OHSU partnered with AFSCME Local 328 and United We Heal to secure the Future Ready Oregon education and training grant from the state of Oregon. AFSCME Local 328 represents approximately 8,300 employees at Oregon Health & Science University. Together, we bargain for and enforce a good contract, great benefits and a safe working environment.
How is United We Heal involved?
United We Heal (UWH) Training Trust is partnering with OHSU and Unite Oregon to build training opportunities for people and increase Oregon’s workforce in health care. UWH is a non-profit organization led by an equal number of employer and employee trustees. It connects individuals, including those from traditionally underserved communities, with apprenticeships in the mental health and health care fields.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions about this program, please contact OHSU Human Resources at buildingbridges@ohsu.edu.
Attend a recruitment fair
There are no upcoming recruitment fairs at this time.
Questions?
About Building Bridges
The Building Bridges program is a partnership between OHSU, AFSCME Local 328, United We Heal, and Unite Oregon. The program applies Future Ready Oregon grant funds to offer job training classes and certifications to help people build careers and fill high-demand roles in health care.
OHSU in partnership with:
