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Apprenticeships

Are you looking to take your healthcare career to the next level? Alaska Primary Care Association offers eight Registered Apprenticeship Programs. All apprenticeship classes are virtual, which means apprentices do not have to leave their community to receive education.

This training is grant-funded and is available at no cost to participants or employers. Through state and federal funding, APCA can provide financial assistance to qualifying participants during the program.

Alaska Primary Care Association

Apprenticeships

Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA)

The Clinical Medical Assistant apprenticeship at APCA equips participants with the skills needed to support physicians and healthcare providers in clinical settings. Apprentices learn to perform essential tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, assisting with exams, and preparing patients for procedures. Training also covers basic laboratory tests, patient care techniques, and medical terminology to ensure comprehensive understanding of clinical operations.

  • 52 Week Online Course
  • 3000 Hours On the Job Learning

Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA)

The Medical Administrative Assistant apprenticeship focuses on developing the administrative skills required to manage healthcare offices efficiently. Apprentices gain expertise in scheduling appointments, managing patient records, handling billing and insurance claims, and ensuring effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. The program emphasizes organizational skills, customer service, and knowledge of healthcare regulations and policies.

  • 27 Week Online Course
  • 2000 Hours On the Job Learning

Pharmacy Technician (PhT)

APCA’s Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship prepares participants for roles in pharmacies by teaching essential skills such as medication preparation, labeling, and dispensing under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Apprentices learn how to manage pharmaceutical inventories, process prescriptions, and provide patient assistance, along with gaining an understanding of drug classifications, dosages, and pharmacy regulations.

  • 37 Week Online Course
  • 2000 Hours On the Job Learning

Dental Assistant (DA)

APCA’s Dental Assistant apprenticeship prepares participants to support dentists during procedures and provide patient care. Apprentices learn to perform tasks such as sterilizing instruments, preparing exam rooms, taking dental impressions, and providing chairside assistance during treatments. The program also includes training in patient education, dental radiography, and infection control, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of dental practices.

  • 41 Week Online Course
  • 2000 Hours On the Job Learning

Community Health Worker (CHW)

The Community Health Worker apprenticeship focuses on empowering participants to promote health education and provide resources to underserved populations. Apprentices learn to assist individuals and communities in navigating healthcare systems, offering support in areas such as chronic disease management, preventive care, and health education. The program covers public health principles, advocacy, and communication skills to support patient wellness and engagement.

  • 27 Week Online Course
  • 2000 Hours On the Job Learning

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

The Direct Support Professional apprenticeship is designed to train individuals to provide care and assistance to people with disabilities. Apprentices learn to support daily living activities, promote independence, and advocate for the individuals they serve. Training covers personal care, behavioral support, crisis intervention, and communication strategies to ensure quality, person-centered care.

  • 27 Week Online Course
  • 2000 Hours On the Job Learning

Electronic Health Records Specialist (EHRS)

The Electronic Health Records Specialist apprenticeship provides training in the management and maintenance of digital health records. Apprentices learn to input, update, and secure patient information in electronic health record (EHR) systems, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA. Training covers data accuracy, privacy protocols, and how to assist healthcare providers in accessing critical patient information efficiently.

  • 24 Week Online Course
  • 2000 Hours On the Job Learning

Billing & Coding Specialist (BCS)

The Billing and Coding Specialist apprenticeship focuses on teaching the skills required to process healthcare claims accurately and efficiently. Apprentices learn medical coding, billing procedures, and insurance claim processing using industry-standard systems. The program emphasizes compliance with healthcare regulations, coding accuracy, and the ability to translate medical diagnoses and treatments into the necessary codes for billing purposes.

  • 42 Week Online Course
  • 2000 Hours On the Job Learning

Employee Benefits & Requirements:

  • To participate in an apprenticeship program, you must be:
    • Currently employed in one of the 8 program categories
    • Not certified in your current career position
    • Your employer must agree to become an employer partner with APCA, and assign a mentor to work with you through the program
  • By participating in an apprenticeship program, you will receive a minimum of two wage increases.
    • The first wage increase is given halfway through the program.
    • The second increase is given upon successful completion of the program – which includes class and skills, some employers require earning a certification to earn final wage increase.
  • During your apprenticeship, you must work a minimum of 35 hours per week, participate in the program, and complete all program requirements.
  • In the apprenticeship program, you will receive additional support through mentorship. The mentor supports your learning and career development.
  • The apprenticeship classes typically occur during working hours. You can expect to participate in online classes 1-2 hours per week and up to 10 hours per week of college level study.
  • Apprenticeships are counted by on the job learning hours and normally completed within one-to-two years, the length is program-dependent.
  • This training is grant-funded and is available at no cost to participants or employers.
REGISTER FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP
Employee Benefits - APCA
Employer Benefits - APCA

Employer Benefits & Requirements:

  • There are two ways to connect your company/organization to the APCA Healthcare Training programs:
    • Become an Employer Partner
      • Participate in Job Fairs and Hiring Opportunities – get connected with qualified potential applicants who have completed pre-apprenticeship training and are ready to work, and enroll in apprenticeship programs.
    • Qualify for Benefits
      • Enroll your entry-level employees into the registered apprenticeship program in one of the eight areas to access grant-funded college-level training that can lead to certification for your new and/or entry-level employees.
  • As an employer, you must:
    • Agree to the Department of Labor apprenticeship standards and sign an employer partner agreement with APCA
    • Provide flexibility to allow the apprentice to participate in online classes during working hours, approximately 1-2 hours per week.
    • Provide on-the-job training with on-site mentorship.
      • APCA provides support and guidance through mentor training, on-the-job training support, and many resources to ensure both the employer and employee are successful.
  • As the employer supporting an apprentice, you must agree to a minimum of two wage increases:
    • The first wage increase is given halfway through the program.
    • The second increase is given upon successful completion of the program – which includes class and skills; some employers may require a worker to complete a certification to earn the final wage increase.
  • Apprenticeships are completed within one to two years; the length is program-dependent.
  • Apprenticeship & pre-apprenticeship programs are currently grant-funded (go to the WF Grant Funding Page), so there is no financial cost to the employer partner or the worker.
  • Employers may receive financial benefits such as tax credits or wage subsidies. Contact the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Apprenticeship for more information and options.
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