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.
Click here to view the 2025/26 Medical Pathways Information Packet for more information on courses offered, financial assistance, and the application process (website).
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
Start the MA Application Here. (2026 cohort)
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
Medical Assistant: meets Monday thru Thursday 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Key Dates:
- June 1, 2025: Applications available for 2026 cohort
- Sept. 30, 2025: Application window for 2026 cohort closes
- Oct. 10-17, 2025: Applicant interviews held
- Oct. 24, 2025: Selected students are notified / First payment due upon acceptance
- Dec. 15, 2025: Orientation for 2026 cohort
- Jan. 13, 2026: Class begins for 2026 cohort / Second payment due
- Nov. 5, 2026: 2026 cohort classes end
Location: 2240 Old River Rd Ukiah, CA | MH Building (MCOE Campus)
Cost
$4,500.00
Students must supply their own scrubs, blood pressure cuff, and student workbook (if desired).
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
Applications are live for the next cohort of Dental Assistants. Start the Dental Assistant Application Here. 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
Spring 2026 Cohort: meets Thursdays 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Key dates:
- Oct. 1, 2025: Applications available for Spring 2026 cohort
- Nov. 21, 2025: Application window for Spring 2026 cohort closes
- Dec. 5, 2025: Selected students are notified / First payment due upon acceptance
- Dec. 11, 2025: Orientation for Spring 2026 cohort
- Jan. 8, 2026: Class begins for Spring 2026 cohort / Second payment due
- June 25, 2026: Spring 2026 class ends
Location: 2240 Old River Road, Ukiah, CA | DF Building
Cost
$4,000.00
Students must provide their own scrubs.
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
Applications are live for the next cohort of Phlebotomy Assistants. Start the Phlebotomy Application Here. 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
Spring 2026 Cohort: meets Mondays & Wednesdays 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Key Dates:
- Oct. 1, 2025: Applications available for Spring 2026 cohort
- Nov. 21, 2025: Application window for Spring 2026 cohort closes
- Dec. 5, 2025: Selected students are notified / First payment due upon acceptance
- Dec. 12, 2026: Orientation for Spring 2026 cohort
- Jan. 12, 2026: Class begins for Spring 2026 cohort / Second payment due
- May 27, 2026: Spring 2026 class ends
Location: MCOE 2240 Old River Rd., Ukiah, CA in DE Building
Cost
$3000
Students must provide their own scrubs.
Our 160-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
The applications for the first CNA cohort closed on September 12th. Any new submissions will be considered for the second CNA cohort, which is expected to begin in January 2026.
- Download an introductory letter about the CNA course here (PDF)
- Start your application for the January 2026 CNA cohort here
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: The 2025 course starts in October or early November 2025. Applications for the first CNA cohort closed on September 12th. Any new submissions will be considered for the second CNA cohort, which is expected to begin in January, 2026. The course will run for 14 weeks with a minimum of 160 total hours: 60 hours of lecture and 100 hours of clinical practice.
Days/Times: Classes are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 1-4 pm, and Wednesday and Friday from 11:30-4 pm.
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.
Contact Holli Woodhouse, (707) 467-5123, for help with filling out the application or for more information.
Financial Assistance Resources
We recommend that you contact these agencies prior to applying (and at least three weeks prior to the first day of class) to determine the availability and timeline for receiving financial aid.
- ARCH - Dental Assistant Scholarship Application - 2025 (PDF)
- ARCH - Medical Assistant Scholarship Application - 2025 (PDF)
- California Human Development Corporation (website)
- Career Point Mendocino (website)
- Community Foundation of Mendocino County - Angel Fund (website)
- Department of Rehabilitation (website)
- Mendo-Lake Adult Education Consortium (website)
Main Contacts
Administrative Secretary
Director - Career and College Programs
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.