The apprenticeship program is 12months. 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 18years

• 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 through Canvas: 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 are accepted into 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, and 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 health center’s rules and policies

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.

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.

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

MA Apprentices are eligible to take the CCMA exam and be 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.

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 6month 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. I hope these help.