When Central Oregon Community College cut the ribbon on its new Madras campus building this past spring, it marked the end of a long construction journey and the beginning of something bigger: a genuine health sciences pipeline rooted in Jefferson County.

Now, with fall term underway, the 24,000-square-foot, $22 million facility is welcoming its first full cohort of students through its doors — and local enrollment counselors say interest in the new programs is strong.

What the New Building Offers

The expanded facility, located at 1170 E. Ashwood Road, includes dedicated classrooms and lab space for the college's medical assistant and nursing programs, alongside updated computer labs, testing and tutoring centers, and general-use classrooms for a broader range of courses.

Prior to the expansion, students from Madras and Jefferson County who wanted to pursue healthcare training often had to commute to the Bend campus — a round trip of nearly 90 miles. The new local space is designed to remove that barrier.

"We know that students who can stay close to home are far more likely to complete their programs," COCC officials noted when the project was announced. "This building is about keeping Jefferson County students in Jefferson County."

Healthcare Workforce Demand

The timing is notable. Jefferson County, like much of rural Oregon, faces persistent shortages of qualified healthcare workers — from certified nursing assistants to licensed practical nurses. St. Charles Madras and surrounding clinics have historically struggled to recruit locally trained staff.

A healthcare training pipeline that starts in Madras and feeds into local facilities could help address that gap, particularly as the region's population continues to grow.

Fall Term Registration Still Open

COCC's Madras campus still has space in several fall term courses, including introductory courses in healthcare, business, and general education. Financial aid and workforce development grants are available to eligible students, including those displaced by this summer's wildfires.

  • COCC Madras campus: 1170 E. Ashwood Road, Madras
  • Phone: (541) 475-4707
  • Online: cocc.edu/departments/madras

Walk-in enrollment assistance is available Monday through Friday during campus hours. Students are encouraged to connect with an enrollment counselor to explore program options and available financial support.

What's Next

COCC officials have said the Madras facility remains a priority for future investment. As enrollment grows and healthcare program demand increases, the college is expected to expand course offerings and potentially add additional instructors based in Madras. For a community that has long seen its young adults leave for educational opportunities elsewhere, the new campus building represents a meaningful anchor.