Medical Assistant Apprenticeship

Interested in Healthcare? Get Paid While Getting Trained

We are excited to announce a new medical assistant (MA) apprenticeship program, open to all students who are interested in a healthcare career. Apprentices are offered paid on-the-job learning, technical instruction, education, and an opportunity to join our team. 

The MA apprenticeship program is in partnership with Lake Michigan College (LMC), Michigan Works!, and community youth leaders. Pre-apprenticeship classes will begin on May 9, 2022. Once the program is complete, apprentices will receive a Medical Assistant Career Diploma through LMC. 

The deadline to apply is April 8, 2022

*In order to process applications before classes start, we are only accepting the first 50 applications. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Apprenticeship 

Is this program right for me? This program is right for you if you enjoy helping others and have a desire to become skilled in a high-demand profession.

1. What is the Healthcare Pre-Apprenticeship and why do I need it?

The Healthcare Pre-Apprenticeship consists of three classes at Lake Michigan College that are pre-requisites for most clinical healthcare programs, providing a start to many different careers! The three classes are Human Anatomy & Physiology, Introduction to Allied Healthcare Careers, and Medical Terminology.

In order to enter the Medical Assistant program, students need to have these classes completed. The Healthcare Pre-Apprenticeship was created to help students prepare to enter the clinical classes.

The pre-apprenticeship does not have an employment component but is similarly a pre-requisite for any apprenticeship programs!

2. When will the program start?  

The pre-apprenticeship will begin May 9, 2022. The Medical Assistant program starts in September 2022.  

3. Who is the participating college? 

Lake Michigan College (LMC): Medical Assisting | Lake Michigan College

4. Who is the participating employer? 

Spectrum Health Lakeland is the employer for the Medical Assistant apprenticeship. 

5. How much will the program cost? 

The full cost of the program is covered by scholarships and/or employer contributions for students attending Lake Michigan College. You may be responsible for minimal uniform fees. Student may be responsible for all or some of the tuition cost if they do not fulfill the commitment requirement of the employer. 

6. What are the apprenticeship wages? 

Wages will vary by employer. However newly enrolled apprentices in the program will start at no less than $15.00/hour and complete the program at no less than $17.00/hour. 

7. How does the apprenticeship differ from a traditional school track of Medical Assistant? 

The traditional Medical Assistant track typically requires you to attend classes followed by job search once you apply and receive your license/certification. This Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program combines part-time paid work experience and classroom learning. 

As a participant in a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program: 

• You can immediately apply your classroom learning and new skills in a work setting.
• You will graduate with a Department of Labor (DOL) certification as well as your Medical Assistant certification.

8. I am currently employed. How can I complete the requirements for this program? 

The Medical Assistant apprenticeship program is a full-time commitment. You will be required to work part time (approximately 24 hours a week) and attend school part time (approximately 8 hours a week) not including study time. Working additional hours or maintaining a second job is not recommended. 

9. Do I need to have experience to be considered for this program? 

No experience is required; however, we recommend that you research the job duties and career pathway options of a Medical Assistant before you commit to the program. If you are not sure if healthcare is a good fit for you, please visit the following to learn more: 31-9092.00 - Medical Assistants (onetonline.org)

10. What credentials will I earn after I complete the program? 

• Medical Assistant Certificate of Completion (from LMC)
• Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the US Department of Labor.
• Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for a certification exam. 

11. What are the program expectations? 

• Arrive to class and work on time
• Follow attendance policy for the employer and school
• Maintain satisfactory grades per the employer’s expectations and the school’s policy
• Maintain a high level of professionalism.
• Effectively manage homework, work schedule and personal obligations
• Commit to work with the employer for a specified period of time after completing the apprenticeship program (length of commitment may vary by employer).

You may be responsible to pay back costs incurred by the employer if: 

• you elect not to finish the community college program
• you elect not to continue working for the employer for the length of time specified.

12. How many hours per week is the program? 

Approximately 8 hours a week in the classroom, 24 hours (varies slightly) a week of paid work experience. This does not include time spent studying and preparing outside of class and work. 

13. Will I get paid during the program? 

Yes, your work experiences an apprentice is paid and will be discussed with you by the employer.  

During this program, you will also complete an externship to meet credentialing standards.  

Externships are short programs that range from a few days to a few weeks, where you work in live environments with industry specialists who have years of experience. An externship will be similar to your work experience; however, these hours will NOT be paid, per licensing requirements. Additionally, time spent in the classroom is unpaid.  

14. Will I be able to take leave time or attend a family vacation while I am in the program? 

This program is a one-year, full-time commitment. Apprentices are expected to follow attendance policy for the employer and school, arriving to work and school on time. 

15. Will there be childcare available during work or school hours? 

You are responsible for making your own arrangements for childcare before the start of the program. If you need assistance with securing childcare, talk with the Michigan Works! Vocational Specialist to obtain information or a referral to assist you in your childcare search. 

16. I am worried about the academic portion. Will I have any help? 

LMC, Spectrum Health Lakeland, and Michigan Works! are committed to helping you succeed. There are academic tutors available at LMC, as well as your mentors within the workplace. We highly encourage all apprentices to utilize these resources and communicate any difficulties! 

Submitting an Application 

1. Where do I submit an application of Interest? 

Applications can be submitted here: https://forms.gle/Y5Dj4d2JMLhUee3b8

2. What’s next after I submit my application of interest?  

After submitting your application for interest, you will receive an email from MiWorks! with next steps. You must successfully complete the requirements outlined for MiWorks and LMC before you will be able to apply for an employment application as an apprentice at Spectrum Health Lakeland.   

3. Where can I get questions answered?  

If your question is not answered in the FAQ section, please contact Rick VanIttersum, Vocational Training Manager at vanittersumr@miworks.org or call (800) 285-WORKS (8675) ext 1126.  

4. Is there anything that would disqualify me from being accepted?  

Eligible applicants must:  

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Have a high school diploma or GED;
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Must provide proof of immunizations (Hep B, Tb, Varicella, MMR, Tdap, Covid-19, flu)

NOTE: This is a competitive application process. Only those individuals who have met the following requirements will be considered:  

• Submitted a complete application to Spectrum Health Lakeland;
• Meet the enrollment and assessment requirements of Lake Michigan College;
• Complete assessment with Michigan Works! Berrien Cass Van Buren.

5. How will a Vocational Specialist help me?

The Michigan Works! BCVB Vocational Specialist will help you:

• Develop a career pathway in the healthcare field;
• Identify your transferable skills and work values;
• Ensure that you are prepared for employer interviews.

Michigan Works! BCVB may also be able to provide you with continued career coaching or help you select another career if you are not chosen for this program.

Register on Pure Michigan Talent Connect 

1. How does Michigan Works! fit into this program? 

Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren partners to recruit qualified candidates, assist with funding supportive services and training, and can assist with removing employment barriers. 

Required college admittance assessments 

1. What are the assessment requirements to attend Lake Michigan College’s Medical Assistant Program? 

Score 237 or better on the Accuplacer Quantitative/Algebra/Statistics; Score 5 or better on the WritePlacer.

*ACT scores, SAT scores, Compass scores, or transferrable college credits in Math and/or English could potentially be used in lieu of Accuplacer.

2. What is Accuplacer? 

ACCUPLACER® is a set of computerized tests that determines your knowledge in math, reading and writing as you prepare to enroll in college-level courses. 

Interviews and Offers 

1. When will acceptance offers go out? 

Employment offers (for apprentice positions) will be extended by April 30, 2022. 

2. Is there a commitment to stay with the employer following the program? 

Yes, you will commit to work with the employer for a specified period of time after completing the apprenticeship program. 

• Length of commitment may vary by employer

You may be responsible to pay back costs incurred by the employer if: 

• You elect not to finish the community college program, or
• You elect not to continue working for the employer for the length of time specified upon completion of the apprenticeship program.

3. What if I am not chosen for the program? 

Michigan Works! BCVB offers services to assist with career navigation, employer connections, free workshops, interest assessments, remedial testing and more! Please make sure you visit our centers for more information. Services are free and open to the public. At this time, appointments are required.  

4. When does the program start? 

College registration is open now! Classes will begin on May 9, 2022 and onsite work between October – November 2022, to allow apprentices time to gain a knowledge base before starting onsite. 

For a PDF of the FAQs please click here