MN PATHways Apprenticeship Program

Preparing the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders

Training. Opportunity. A Healthier Future.

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.

40+ Graduates

since 2022

10+ Partner Clinics

90% Retention Rate

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!

Apprentice Timeline

What Apprentices Are Saying…

“I thought that we had 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.”

— Former Apprentice

“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.”

— Former Apprentice

“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?”

— Former Apprentice

The Interest Form has closed, and the 2027 cohort recruitment has concluded.

The 2028 cohort recruitment will begin on March 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The apprenticeship program is 12 months. The cohort typically starts in January and ends in December.

  • No, the MN PATHways is not a school. There is no specific school building where apprentices will meet. However, the majority of your learning will take place at our community health centers, where you will be on-site from Monday to Friday for your on-the-job training.

  • Yes. Apprentices are paid employees of the health center throughout the program.

    • Have to be at least 18 years old

    • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent

  • No prior healthcare experience is required. Health centers hire based on interest, motivation and readiness to learn.

  • Apprentices are hired directly by participating health centers. MNACHC supports recruitment and coordination, but health centers make the final hiring decision.

    • On-the-job training at the health center: Monday - Friday

    • Online Coursework evenings and weekends

    • Skills tracking through competency logs

    • In-person lab days: 3 times during the program

    • The program provides each apprentice with a new laptop, which they are able to keep after completing the program. This laptop can be used to complete online coursework and assignments throughout the program.

    • We also provide the required online textbooks for both the Medical Assisting and Dental Assisting programs, along with a program booklet containing key information and expectations.

    • Additionally, we cover the cost of the CCMA certification exam for MA apprentices upon successful completion of the program.

    • For DA apprentices, we cover the cost of the radiology certification exam, if they choose to pursue it.

  • Once you begin the program, you cannot take on any additional commitments, as the program is a full-time employment opportunity requiring 8-hour workdays.

  • We typically find out which health centers will be participating in the program around August. Not all 17 health centers participate each year; on average, about 8 health centers join the program annually.

  • Wages are determined separately by each individual health center. Over the years, the average starting wage has been around $18 per hour. Wages are typically expected to increase midway through the program and again around the 12-month mark.

  • The program does not cover the cost of uniforms. However, since the health centers are responsible for hiring the apprentices, they may have their own policies regarding uniform requirements and potential reimbursement.

  • Lab days are scheduled in-person sessions where apprentices practice clinical skills, demonstrate competencies, and receive hands-on instructions.

    There are 3 required Saturday sessions during the program: April, July & October

    • Attend work Monday through Friday and be punctual.

    • Complete online coursework & assignments on time

    • Participate in lab days

    • Follow all of the health center’s rules and policies

  • Apprentices are paired with a coach who is an MA-C of LDA, who will provide guidance, demonstrate skills, and offer support during 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 professionals.

  • 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.

    • DA apprentices are able to take the Minnesota Jurisprudence exam.

  • MA Apprentices are eligible to take the CCMA exam and can become an MA-C.

    DA Apprentices are currently ineligible to be licensed; however, they are eligible to pursue additional certification courses, such as the radiology course, which allows unlicensed DAs to perform x-ray procedures.

    After completing the program, apprentices receive a certificate of completion.

  • After completing the program, apprentices will continue working at the health center where they trained.

  • Due to limited space and the number of candidates we receive each year, individuals who are not accepted could try the following cohort again.

    You might explore job opportunities on our job board, which lists available positions. Additionally, you can contact the HR department at your nearby community health centers to ask about current job openings.

    The Summit Academy offers 20-week training programs in medical administrative assisting and unlicensed dental assisting.

    There is also another Medical Assistant program offered by Allied Health Training and Consulting. They offer a 6-month MA program with an estimated cost of $8,500. MNACHC is not affiliated with this program. It's just another potential option for you to explore among affordable MA programs.

Questions?

Send an email to mnpathways@mnachc.org with any questions you might have!