Concord Hospital is growing its healthcare workforce by launching a new medical assistant (MA) registered apprenticeship in partnership with NHTI – Concord’s Community College, Manchester Community College (MCC), and the ApprenticeshipNH program. Following the “earn while you learn” model that has proven successful for a licensed nursing assistant (LNA) program launched this February, individuals will be hired by the hospital and then go through a structured classroom training that will prepare them to work as medical assistants. The instruction is offered through a unique partnership between NHTI and MCC.
Concord Hospital is currently recruiting its first class of ten students. They will begin their full-time employment and classwork on May 3, 2021 and need to apply by April 10, 2021. The program includes 12 weeks of full-time, paid classroom instruction time at NHTI and prepares apprentices to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. After completion of classroom instruction, apprentices are placed into full-time open positions at a primary care or specialty practice location.
“We are excited about the opportunity to continue the partnership with our local community colleges through the MA registered apprenticeship. The apprenticeship model has proven to be a successful way for us to invest in our workforce and to give them the skills and support they need to be successful in this high-demand field,” said Kathryn McKillop, Talent Manager at Concord Hospital.
ApprenticeshipNH is an initiative housed at the Community College System of NH that seeks to address workforce needs in specific sectors throughout the state by creating Registered Apprenticeship opportunities within the information technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, automotive, biotechnology and infrastructure/construction sectors. The program was established in 2017 through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. To date, hundreds of individuals and dozens of companies have benefitted from the program.
“Medical assistants are in great demand across the state. The positions really are a gateway to a healthcare career and the ApprenticeshipNH model of bringing participants in as employees and combining highly structured training with onsite work is an ideal way for individuals to become quickly certified for this field. We’re excited to work with Concord Hospital to launch this program and help recruit participants,” said Emily Zeien, grant manager for ApprenticeshipNH.
The registered apprenticeship program at Concord Hospital also requires about a year and a half of on-the-job training hours, which enable apprentices to master the skills learned during instruction, with the support of a one-to-one mentor. Upon completion of the Registered Apprenticeship, participants will earn a National Occupational Credential through the Department of Labor. Individuals interested in learning more can contact Sarah Patinskas, at spatinskas@crhc.org or (603) 227-7107.
About Concord Hospital
Concord Hospital is a charitable organization that exists to meet the health needs of individuals within the communities we serve throughout the greater Concord region. Our mission is supported by Concord Hospital Trust, our philanthropic arm, which secures and distributes charitable gifts in accordance with donors’ intentions. Concord Hospital exists solely to serve patients and their families, and in addition to our hospital which provides emergency care and trauma treatment, we specialize in cardiac services, cancer care, orthopedics, urology, and women’s health. Concord Hospital first became a sponsor of Registered Apprenticeship in February 2020. For more information, visit https://www.concordhospital.org/
About ApprenticeshipNH
The ApprenticeshipNH Program, housed at the Community College System of New Hampshire, is a unique effort that prepares workers as Registered Apprentices to better compete in the modern workforce. Focusing on the Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Hospitality, Construction/Infrastructure, Biomedical, Automotive, and Information Technology sectors, the ApprenticeshipNH Program provides workers with invaluable opportunities to pursue highly-skilled, high-paying jobs, and opportunities for employers seeking to build a qualified workforce in NH. The program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. For more information, visit www.apprenticeshipnh.com
