Medical Pathways
Launch your healthcare career in Mendocino County with comprehensive, hands-on medical training
MCOE is committed to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through our specialized Medical Pathways program. We offer four distinct career tracks - Medical Assistant, Certificated Nurse Assistant, Dental Assistant, and Phlebotomy Training - each designed to provide students with both thorough classroom instruction and valuable clinical experience.
Our programs combine rigorous academic preparation with practical skills development, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to pass state certification exams and begin rewarding careers in the healthcare field. Whether you're just starting your professional journey or looking to transition into a new career, our Medical Pathways program provides the foundation you need to succeed in the growing healthcare sector.
Our 6-month dental assistant program combines hands-on training with classroom instruction to prepare students for careers in professional dental practices. Students develop skills for both chairside assistant and front office roles, learning to assist with examinations, restorations, extractions, charting, sealant application, and more. Student also earn OSHA and bloodborne pathogen safety certifications upon completion.
Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in private dental practices, clinics, and specialty offices.
Externship must start within two weeks of completion of the classroom training portion of the course; Certificates of Completion will not be awarded until all requirements have been met, including the completion of student externships
Applications
Application will be available March 1, 2025.
Applicants need to include a copy of their high school diploma and/or transcript. Applicants need to include one current (within the last year), signed letter of recommendation.
Next Cohort Information
Dates of Course: July 10 - Dec 18, 2025
Days/Times: Thursdays from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: 2240 Old River Road, Ukiah, CA | DF Building
Orientation: TBD
Cost
$4,000.00
Students must provide their own scrubs.
Our comprehensive 10-month program prepares students for careers as medical assistants in healthcare settings. Students learn both clinical and administrative skills essential for working in physician offices and medical clinics. The curriculum covers medical terminology, body systems, patient care procedures, and healthcare regulations including HIPAA compliance.
Clinical training includes vital sign assessment, patient rooming, and medical charting, while administrative instruction covers front office operations and medical documentation. Graduates are prepared to work as qualified medical assistants in various healthcare environments.
Applications
Application will be available June 1, 2025.
Applicants need to include a copy of their high school diploma and/or transcript. Applicants need to include one current (within the last year), signed letter of recommendation.
Next Cohort Information
Dates of Course: January 2026 (actual dates TBD)
Days/Times: TBD
Location: 2240 Old River Rd Ukiah, CA | MH Building (MCOE Campus)
Orientation: TBD
Cost
$4,500.00
Students must supply their own scrubs, blood pressure cuff, and student workbook (if desired).
Our 180-hour CNA program provides comprehensive training in essential patient care skills. Students learn to deliver compassionate, hands-on care including vital sign monitoring, personal care assistance, and maintaining patient environments. This program prepares graduates to work as CNAs in healthcare facilities, providing fundamental nursing support and direct patient care.
Students will be in class for no fewer than 60 hours, and practice skills for 100 hours after which they will be qualified to sit for the state Certified Nursing Assistant exam.
Applications
Application will be available June 1, 2025.
Applicants need to include a copy of their high school diploma and/or transcript. Applicants need to include one current (within the last year), signed letter of recommendation.
Next Cohort Information
Dates of Course: August 2025 (actual dates TBD)
Days/Times: TBD
Orientation: TBD
Cost
FREE
The program has been funded by a grant which will allow us to offer the program free of charge until June, 2026.
Our 100-hour phlebotomy program trains students in professional blood collection techniques for medical testing and blood banking. Students master essential skills including venipuncture procedures, equipment handling, and proper blood tube identification. Training covers butterfly needle techniques, syringe usage, and order of draw protocols. This comprehensive program prepares graduates for the national phlebotomy certification exam and careers in hospitals, clinics, and blood banks.
Externship must start within two weeks of completion of the classroom training portion of the course; Certificates of Completion will not be awarded until all requirements have been met, including the completion of student externships.
Applications
Application will be available June 1, 2025.
Applicants need to include a copy of their high school diploma and/or transcript. Applicants need to include one current (within the last year), signed letter of recommendation.
Next Cohort Information
Dates of Course: August 8 - Dec 17th, 2025
Days/Times: Fridays at 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Location: MCOE 2240 Old River Rd., Ukiah, CA in DE Building
Orientation: TBD
Cost
$3000
Students must provide their own scrubs.
Contact Sally Nevarez, (707) 467-5123, for help with filling out the application or for more information.
Financial Assistance Resources
- Career Point Mendocino (website)
- Department of Rehabilitation (website)
- California Human Development Corporation (website)
- Alliance for Rural Community Health Clinics (website)
- Mendo-Lake Adult Education Consortium (website)
- Community Foundation of Mendocino County - Angel Fund (website)
Main Contacts
Manager- Adult Education
Administrative Secretary I
Director - Career and College Programs
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