NCCHCA MAAI Contact: J’mi Walker, RN, NCCHCA Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship Director, Direct: (984) 241-6901, walkerj@ncchca.org

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. NCCHCA has seen positive results for the medical assistants and the health centers they serve and is expanding 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 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job learning at the CHC, along with 200 hours of online/in-person classroom instruction. All program 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 the CHC.

What is an MAAI Apprenticeship?

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

Eligibility:

Apprentices must:

• Be an employee of a participating CHC or be hired by CHC for the Apprenticeship program
• Complete and submit the MAAI apprenticeship application by the posted deadline
• Have a high school diploma or GED

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 200 hours of online or in-person classes with a minimum average score of 80 percent within the designated timeframe. Additional study time may be required for program success.
• Complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training within 12 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.
• Review and sign the Registered Apprenticeship Standards

NCCHCA and the CHC will:

• Provide online/in-person classes and on-the-job training at no expense to the apprentice.
• Pay the apprentice for  2000 hours of clinical training. Please note that time spent studying or completing online training is not compensated, ex. study time, tracking hours, homework, completing assignments, etc.
• Support the MA apprentice through successful completion of the training.
• Provide each apprentice with the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credentialing exam bundle which includes preparation materials such as the study guide and practice exams, as well as the certification exam.

How to apply:

The next MAAI cohort will begin in January 2025.

Placements are currently planned at the following centers for the January Cohort. Exact site location will be determined.  Please email apprenticeship@ncchca.org for details on how to apply.

• Appalachian Mountain Health, Asheville, NC and Surrounding Areas
• Black River Health Services, Burgaw, NC
• Cabarrus-Rowan Community Health Center, Concord, Charlotte, China Grove, NC
• Kinston Community Health, Kinston, NC
• Lincoln Community Health, Durham, NC
• MedNorth Health Center, Wilmington, NC
• Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine, Greensboro, High Point, NC

The Summer 2024 Cohort Apprentices are based at the following health centers:

• Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Center
• Compassion Health Care
• OIC Medical Center
• Rural Health Group
• Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine
• United Health Centers

For more details, email apprenticeship@ncchca.org.

We thank OIC Medical Center and Rural Health Group for their partnership in designing and launching MAAI.

Apprentice Resources:

Apprentices can access resources here.