Medical Assistant

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. They greet patients, escort them to the exam room, and prepare patients and the exam room for the provider. They also perform phlebotomies, laboratory procedures, and immunizations. Medical assistants take and record patients’ personal information, and they must be able to keep that information confidential.

SELECT AN APPRENTICESHIP LOCATION

Washington Association for Community Health

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Required Qualifications
  • 18 years of age
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Physically able
  • Current and valid training
    • CPR
    • HIV/AIDS
Step 2: Apply
Apply
  • Gain employment with any participating healthcare provider that employs Medical Assistants
    • Participating employers are located throughout the state and include:
      • Community Health Centers, private clinics, hospitals, large healthcare systems, etc.
    • See job postings for Community Health Centers
    • Contact Katherine Lechner for further information
  • Complete apprenticeship application
      • Application information can be obtained from:
        Washington Association for Community Health
        Attn: Allied Health Apprenticeship Programs
        101 Capitol Way North, Suite 200
        Olympia, WA 9850
Step 3: Begin Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship
  • 2,000 hours / 1 years on-the-job training
  • Minimum of 410 hours of education completed through online coursework
  • Attend 3 in-person lab days to practice and demonstrate hands-on technical skills
  • Complete Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam
Wages
  • Start at 92% of current journeyperson’s rate (Starting wage not lower than state minimum wage)
  • Gain 4% pay increase after 1,000 hours of on-the-job training (approx. 6 months) plus required schooling. 
  • Full 100% journeyperson’s pay after completing the program.
Estimated Starting Hourly Base Rate:
$15.00 + Benefits + Optional Housing Allowance
Housing allowance can be found using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool

SEARCH SCHOOL NAME: WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY AND MIGRANT HEALTH CENTERS

    Calculate Starting Pay With GI Bill ®

    Estimated Wage Calculator

    All calculations based on a 120 hours/month work schedule.[CP_CALCULATED_FIELDS id="6"]

    *Contact union local for updated wage information.

    GI Bill Usage Breakdown:
    100% - 1-6 months
    80% - 6-12 months
    60% - 12-18 months
    40% - 18-24 months
    20% - 24-30 months
    *Usage Optional
    Eligible veterans in an approved Apprenticeship Program can use their GI Bill® benefit and receive a tax-free stipend on a monthly basis. The Post 9/11 GI Bill® stipend is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an E-5 with dependents (based on the zip code of the training facility) which is paid addition to normal wages. Refer to the chart below to understand how Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits are paid, or consult the VA website www.benefits.va.gov/gibill (Link) to see how other VA chapters are paid for Apprenticeship Training.