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New Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program Launches in Kalkaska

August 17, 2020


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.

Our Township greatly benefits from Network Northwest's experience, depth of knowledge and understanding. Because they work with so many diverse communities in our ten-county region they understand the local land-use issues and are already working on solutions by the time we realize we need some help.
- Susan Odom, Chair, Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission