Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Programs

Medical Assistant (MA) apprenticeship programs offer a paid earn-while-you-learn model by combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs prepare participants for national certification while accumulating valuable experience—without traditional tuition-based study. Renowned providers include Kaiser Permanente, CHAS Health, and the Healthcare Apprenticeship Consortium of Washington.

✔ Benefits of Medical Assistant Apprenticeships

• Paid Full-Time Employment: Apprentices earn wages (~40 hours/week) during training and classroom instruction
• Structured Curriculum: Programs combine about 2,000 hours of clinical training with 288 hours of classroom instruction covering medical terminology, pharmacology, and clinical procedures
• Certification Preparation: Designed to prepare candidates for the national Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (MA‑C) exam through the NHA
• Mentorship and Support: Apprentices work under experienced MA mentors with supportive structures through training consortia like Seattle Central College and CHAS
• Accessible Model: Open to individuals without prior healthcare background, providing an alternate workforce entry route

👤 Applicant Eligibility & Requirements

Typically required:

• Age 18 years or older
• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to pass a state background check
• Completion of placement or remedial courses in College Math and English as needed (e.g. Math 087/091, English 098)
• Must be able to meet physical requirements and obtain CPR/BLS certification

🛠 Certification & Training Pathway (Bullet Format)

1.Enroll in a Registered Sponsor Program

e.g. Kaiser Permanente, CHAS Health, Washington apprenticeship consortium

2.Complete ~288 Hours of Classroom Instruction

Topics include clinical procedures, terminology, anatomy and pharmacology

3.Accumulate ~2,000 Hours of Paid Clinical Work

Includes patient intake, vitals, specimen collection, EHRs, and administrative tasks

4.Pass National Certification Exam (MA‑C / CCMA)

Credential recognized by NHA and industry employers

5.Document Hours and Pass Monthly Assessments as Required by Apprenticeship Standards

🧪 Example Providers

Kaiser Permanente Medical Assistant Apprenticeship (WA State)

• Duration: ~14–15 months combining clinical and classroom instruction
• Includes full-time paid clinical work (~2,000 hours) and 288 supplemental instruction hours at Clover Park Technical College
• Prepares participants for certification and MA credentialing

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CHAS Health Registered MA Apprenticeship (Inland Northwest, WA/ID)

• Includes paid employment with benefits, tuition, materials, uniforms, and mentoring
• Eligibility: 18+, diploma/GED, background check

🚀 Career Pathways & Advancement

• Apprentices achieve MA‑C certification and qualify for clinical or administrative roles in physician offices, clinics, and outpatient centers
• Job Growth Outlook: Expected 15% growth from 2023–2033, with roughly 119,800 openings annually nationwide
• Credential may serve as a foundation for advanced roles such as medical office administration, patient scribing, or transitions to LPN/RN or healthcare management careers

🔍 Expanded Introduction

Medical Assistant apprenticeships offer individuals a path into healthcare combining structured workshops with paid work in real clinic environments. Apprentices receive employment while learning essential medical office and clinical skills under qualified supervision. Through national credential alignment and employer partnership (e.g. Kaiser Permanente and CHAS Health), these apprenticeships help address workforce shortages and provide a robust entry to the MA profession—especially for those seeking accessible, career-oriented training without traditional academic barriers

By supporting eligible individuals through paid training and pushing toward certification exams, registered Medical Assistant apprenticeships offer a viable, structured career entry point with future upward mobility and a strong employment outlook.

References

• https://scholarsacademy.kaiserpermanente.org/alliedhealthscholars/career-pathways/medical-assistant/
• https://www.stepful.com/post/medical-assistant-job-outlook
• https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/apprenticeship/agenda-docs/11CHASHealth.pdf
• https://info.nhanow.com/learning-leading-blog/how-apprenticeships-are-filling-the-need-for-high-skilled-healthcare-workers
• https://chas.org/about-chas/careers/apprenticeships/
• https://chas.org/about-chas/careers/educational-programs/medical-assistant-apprenticeship-program/
• https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/washington-health-care-careers
• https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/kaiser-washington-medical-assistant-apprenticeship-program
• https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/kaiser-washington-medical-assistant-apprenticeship-program