Medical Assistant Apprentice

Unity Care NW•Ferndale, WA

About The Position

Unity Care NW is hiring a Medical Assistant Apprentice to learn and perform medical assistant work in an outpatient setting that follows a patient-centered primary care model. The apprenticeship includes 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training supported by an experienced one-on-one MA coach, 434 hours of unpaid supplemental coursework and concurrent online coursework, and three in-person lab days in the Seattle area. Apprentices must log and report their on-the-job hours and skills practice. After successfully completing the program, apprentices qualify to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Health Career Association. After passing the exam, they may apply for a Washington State Department of Health MA-Certified license. The standard wage range is $23.73–$27.91 per hour, with the possibility of earning up to $32.04 per hour over time. The schedule is four 10-hour days, with occasional Saturdays. Successful completion of the program, testing, and licensure entails a commitment to work at Unity Care NW as a Medical Assistant for at least one year, provided the employee remains in good standing. Applicants must be available to start January 25, 2027, and attend a required virtual kickoff meeting on January 29, 2027.

Requirements

Complete Washington State apprenticeship agreement forms on time if hired.
Commit to working at Unity Care NW as a Medical Assistant for at least one year after successful program completion, testing, and licensure, while remaining in good standing.
Sign Unity Care NW's Education Assistance Agreement and Promissory Note, which outline a payback clause if the commitment is not fulfilled.
Be available to start on January 25, 2027.
Be able to attend the required virtual kickoff meeting on January 29, 2027.
If currently employed by Unity Care NW, have been in the current role for at least one year and be in good standing; exceptions may be approved.
Complete 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training, 434 hours of unpaid supplemental coursework and concurrent online coursework, and three in-person lab days in the Seattle area.
Keep logs and report on-the-job hours and skills practice as required.
New employees must have up-to-date influenza vaccination; up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged.

Nice To Haves

Prior health care experience.
Strong interest in working with diverse patient populations.
External candidates with applicable experience or similar qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Complete the patient rooming process.
Complete patient testing and procedures according to provider orders or standing orders.
Perform inbox management and other computer tasks.
Perform immunizations and injections.
Perform general clinical operations duties.
Precept new employees and externs and coach MA Apprentices.
Order supplies, medications, and vaccines.
Complete and report required on-the-job hours and skills practice.
Complete the apprenticeship coursework and required in-person labs.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with employer match after one year of eligibility.
Six paid holidays.
Paid time off: 108 hours accrued in the first year of eligibility, 156 hours in the second year, increasing gradually to 196 hours per year over the next eight years.
Paid sick leave.
Paid bereavement, jury duty, and bone marrow or organ donation leave.
Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Optional supplemental life and AD&D, short-term and long-term disability, critical illness, accident, travel, and identity theft protection coverage.
Flexible Spending Account.
Health Savings Account on the Base Medical Insurance Plan.
Employee Assistance Program.
Alternative transportation incentives.
Healthy Living reimbursement.
Medical hardship payroll loans, employee referral bonus, will preparation services, and a gym discount.
Employment that counts toward eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Reimbursement of Washington State license fees.
Continuing education dollars and hours for CCMA renewal.
Competitive wage.
Friendly and collaborative team environment.
Meaningful, mission-oriented work supporting the community.