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New Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program Launches in Kalkaska

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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2020

NORTHWEST LOWER, MI— Northwest Michigan’s first Medical Assistant apprenticeship program is underway in Kalkaska. The U.S. Department of Labor registered Medical Assistant apprenticeship is being offered by Northwest Michigan Works! in partnership with Kalkaska Memorial Health Center.  

The innovative program includes paid on the job learning and online related technical instruction along with guidance from professional mentors. Once complete, the apprentices will receive a National Medical Assistant Journeyworker Credential, a Medical Assistant Career Diploma through Penn Foster, and be prepared to sit for the State Medical Assistant Certification through American Medical Technologists. There are five apprentices currently enrolled in the program at Kalkaska.

“We are very pleased to launch this career opportunity in our community,” said Christy Chowhan, Clinical Director, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center. “It is a well-designed competency-based training plan and incorporates an online learning platform that is easily accessed by our apprentices. This program is designed to prepare the apprentices for certification and helps us fill immediate workforce gaps.”

Registered apprenticeships are developed through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor and are a proven training method for employers to build a talent pipeline of highly skilled, educated employees. Registered apprenticeships are offered in over 1300 occupations and can be designed for any size or type of business. Northwest Michigan Works! provides technical assistance and administrative support for registered apprenticeships, including development and implementation guidance. More information about registered apprenticeships is available at nwm.org/apprenticeships.

The Networks Northwest team did a great job to help the City of Charlevoix and Charlevoix Township collaborate in addressing housing challenges in our community. They facilitated dialogue with Planning Commissioners, community stakeholders, and municipal officials to develop a plan for cohesive zoning in areas of growth for our two governments. Further, they were able to pinpoint the challenges in each unit and propose changes that would be beneficial all around. Together, we believe we'll be better prepared for housing developments and job growth in our region. We look forward to working with them on future projects!
- Mark Haydlauff, City Manager, Charlevoix