Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Initiative (MAAI)

Overview of the NCCHCA Medical Assistant Apprentice Initiative (MAAI)

To help address workforce shortages and recruit more medical assistants to work in rural and underserved areas, the North Carolina Community Health Center Association (NCCHCA) launched the MAAI program pilot in August 2022 with nine apprentices placed at two community health centers: OIC Family Medical Center and Rural Health Group. The Association has seen positive results for the medical assistants and the health centers they serve and are currently working to expand the program to more sites.

MAAI is a registered apprenticeship program with Apprenticeship NC. It is operated by NCCHCA, in partnership with community health center (CHC) training sites.

MAAI has three main goals:

• Recruit: NCCHCA and CHCs work together to recruit local student-apprentice jobseekers for placement in an entry-level health care job.
• Train: The student apprentice obtains 900 hours of paid on-the-job learning at the CHC, along with online classroom instruction. All required expenses are covered.
• Certify, Hire, and Retain: With their education and training complete, the apprentice is eligible to complete an industry-recognized certification to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). The CCMA agrees to a minimum three-year commitment to work at a CHC.

What is an MAAI Apprenticeship?

• Apprentices enter a structured training program of didactic (classroom and online) instruction and paid on-the-job training.
• Upon program completion, apprentices earn an industry-recognized credential.
• Medical Assisting is considered an “apprentice-able job” by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Eligibility:

Apprentices must complete the MAAI apprenticeship application and be able to work on site at a participating CHC.

Commitment Details:

Medical Assistant Apprentices are expected to:

• Successfully progress through the MAAI by completing all required online classes and training competencies.
• Have access to current computer technology and internet services to complete the online didactic training when off the job site. Assistance may be available for apprentices needing help with access.
• Complete 220 hours of online classes with a minimum average score of 85 percent within the designated timeframe.
• Complete 680 hours of on-the-job training within 11 months.
• Openly accept feedback from administrative leaders, mentors, instructors, and coaches.
• Meet or exceed all standards of performance, including time and attendance.
• Remain in good standing throughout the work commitment period.
• Enter the program with the intention of committing to work as a Medical Assistant at a CHC for a minimum of three years.

NCCHCA and the CHC will:

• Provide online classes and on-the-job training at no expense to the apprentice.
• Pay the apprentice for 220 hours of didactic training time and 680 hours of clinical training.
• Support the MA apprentice through successful completion of the training.
• Purchase one NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credentialing exam.
• Support placement in a CHC upon certification.

How to apply:

MAAI is not currently accepting applications. When applications open, the application link and list of participating CHCs will be available on this webpage. The projected application dates for future cohorts are listed below.

If you have questions regarding MAAI please email Alice Pollard.