Preparing the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders
Training. Opportunity. A Healthier Future.
Looking for information about the MA/DA Apprenticeship Program? You are in the right place! Keep reading to find out more.
What is MN PATHways?
We get it. Pursuing a healthcare career is expensive, time-consuming, and overwhelming. MN PATHways (Preparing Aspiring Talent for Healthcare) is a workforce development initiative designed to open doors to healthcare careers. We offer paid training, hands-on experience, and long-term support for those seeking to enter and thrive in healthcare roles. All at no cost to you.
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40+ Graduates
since 2022
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10+ Partner Clinics
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90%+ Retention Rate
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Apprentice to Employee Pipeline
Training Programs Designed for You
Dental Assistant (DA) Apprenticeship Program
12-month paid, full-time employment
Begins in January every year
Gain hands-on experience at a community health center
Learn everything about being an Unlicensed Dental Assistant
Opportunity for further certification
No cost to you!
Medical Assistant (MA) Apprenticeship Program
12-month paid, full-time employment
Begins in January every year
Gain hands-on experience at a community health center
Learn everything about being a Medical Assistant
Opportunity for Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification
No cost to you!
Due to limited capacity, we offer one cohort each year starting in January. The recruitment cycle begins in the fall of the prior year.
Don’t Just Take Our Word for It…
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“I thought that we have to go to college to be a dental assistant [...] I feel like it’s a great opportunity for people, because some people can’t make it to college [...] It’s awesome. I can learn while working.”
Past Apprentice
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“It made me really happy to be able to do something like this, because my family does not come from money [...] It meant a lot for me to be able to do this program.”
Past Apprentice
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“It was free and I was able to work full time and do hands-on [tasks] while doing online classes. Who could say no to this opportunity?”
Past Apprentice
Our interest form is currently open for the 2027 cohort.
Thank you for your interest in our Medical and Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program. If you are interested in participating or wish to be notified to reaffirm your interest in the program, please complete the form below.
Recruitment confirmation will begin in August: This means we will contact you in August to reconfirm your interest in joining the program, so watch for an email from us then. Also, be aware that the apprenticeship program runs from January to December (12 months).
Please note: MNACHC is not directly involved in the hiring process. Participating health centers manage their own hiring and determine how many apprentices they are able to host.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The apprenticeship program is 12months. The cohort typically starts in January and ends in December
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Yes. Apprentices are paid employees of the health center throughout the program.
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Have to be at least 18years
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
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No prior healthcare experience is required. Health centers hire based on interest, motivation and readiness to learn.
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Apprentices are hired directly by participating health centers. MNACHC supports recruitment and coordination, but health centers make the final hiring decision.
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On the job training at the health center: Monday - Friday
Online Coursework through Canvas: evenings and weekends
Skills tracking through competency logs
In-person lab days: 3 times during the program
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Lab days are scheduled in-person sessions where apprentices practice clinical skills, demonstrate competencies, and receive hands-on instructions.
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Attend work Monday through Friday and be punctual.
Complete online coursework & assignments on time
Participate in lab days
Follow all health center’s rules and policies
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Apprentices are paired with a coach who is an MA-C of LDA, and they will provide guidance, demonstrate skills, and offer support for shadowing.
This is a well-structured program, and all apprentices who graduate from it receive all the tools and skills needed to become successful healthcare professional.
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MA Apprentices are eligible to sit for the CCMA exam
DA Apprentices may pursue additional certification course like the radiology course
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To become a licensed DA in Minnesota, three requirements must be met. Currently, our apprentices can fulfill two of these. We are working closely with the MN Board of Dentistry to create a clear licensure pathway for our apprentices.
DA apprentices can take the DANB after completing an additional 1,500 hours following the program.
They are also able to take the Minnesota Jurisprudence exam.
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Apprentices continue working at their health center where they trained after graduation.
Questions?
You can reach us at mnpathways@mnachc.org