Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program (MAAP)

What is an Apprenticeship?

• Apprentices enter a structured training program of classroom and paid on-the-job training under the guidance of a mentor.
• Upon program completion, apprentices earn an industry-recognized credential.
• Medical Assisting is considered an “apprentice-able job” by the US Department of Labor.
• Apprenticeships registered with the Department of Labor or state agencies include:
  • 2000 hours (50 weeks) of on-the-job training
  • 144 hours of online didactic training
  • At least one small wage increase around 6-month period

Overview of the UNC Health Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program (MAAP)

• The new Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program involves 144 hours of online learning, plus over 2,000 hours of on-the-job-training. Participants will be paid for time while training/working in one of our outpatient clinics.
• MAAP will interview, hire and train applicants, with or without prior healthcare experience, to progress through the program.
• MA apprentices will be assigned Mentor(s)/Care Partner Champions and a Nurse Educator to guide them through the MAAP.
• Upon program completion, apprentices are required to take the NHA Medical Assistant credentialing/certification exam.
• Once MA certification is obtained, the apprentice will be offered a job interview with UNC Health Outpatient Services.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or general education degree.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required within 90 days of employment.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to engage positively with patients and families to work as a team with staff and providers. Ability to use a computer to document required information into the electronic medical record.

*Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity. 

Commitments:

As a Medical Assistant Apprentice, the expectation is to:

• Successfully progress through the MAAP by completing all required online classes and training competencies, included in the three tollgates: 
  • Administrative Apprentice I
  • Basic Clinical Apprentice II
  • Intermediate Clinical Apprentice III.
• Have access to current computer technology and internet services to complete the online didactic training when off of the job site.
• Complete 144 hours of online classes with a minimum average score of 70% within the designated timeframe.
• Complete 2000 hours of on-the-job training (or combination of on-the-job-training and previous relevant work experience) within 12 months.  Any exceptions must be approved by clinic manager and department HR Business Partner.
• Actively participate in the on-site administrative and clinical training through preparation via the use of training materials, including textbook(s), policies and procedures, etc. 
• Openly accept feedback from administrative leaders, mentors, journeymen and coaches. 
• Obtain a UNC Health-recognized Medical Assistant credential within three months of completing the MAAP. 
• Work full time as a Medical Assistant Apprentice until completion of Medical Assistant certification. 
• Meet or exceed all standards of performance, including time and attendance. 
• Remain in good standing throughout the work commitment period.
• Enter into the program with the intention of working as a Medical Assistant, Certified in an outpatient clinic for at least two years.
• Failure to meet any of the above criteria will result in dismissal from the MAAP.

UNC Health will:

• Provide online classes and on-the-job training at no expense to the apprentice.  
• Purchase credentialing exam preparatory materials to include one interactive study guide and practice test through NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credentialing exam. 
• Purchase one NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credentialing exam.

Additional Information:

• Individuals who successfully complete the MAAP will be eligible to apply to any open UNC Health Medical Assistant, Certified I position listed at https://jobs.unchealthcare.org/. Talent Acquisition will advise the hiring manager of your MAAP completion and you will receive an interview. All hiring decisions will be made by the hiring manager. 

Note: UNC Health has implemented a career ladder for Medical Assistants, Certified. There are three levels (MAI, MAII, and MAIII) in the career ladder. Medical Assistant apprentices hired into a Medical Assistant I, Certified (MAI) role may be eligible for:

• A commitment incentive bonus at participating UNC Health entities
• Promotion to a Medical Assistant II (MAII) role after one year of experience (competency verifications required)

Future Application Dates:

 Cohort 14 - Monday, February 24th, 2025

If you have questions regarding the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program with UNC Physicians Network, please email Cynthia Hardin at [email protected]. If you have questions regarding the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program with UNC Faculty Physicians and the Medical Center, please email Amy Kelley at [email protected]. For all other Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program questions, please email HCS Senior Recruiter Cara-Lee Arms, at [email protected].