Medical Assistant Apprentice

Unity Care NW•Bellingham, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Unity Care NW’s Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program provides paid on-the-job training and supplemental coursework to prepare apprentices for a Medical Assistant role in an outpatient, patient-centered primary care setting. The Medical Assistant provides and coordinates medical care, including rooming patients, completing testing and procedures under provider or standing orders, managing inboxes and other computer tasks, administering immunizations and injections, supporting clinical operations, precepting new employees and externs, coaching MA apprentices, and ordering supplies, medications, and vaccines. Apprentices complete 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with 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 work hours and skill practice. Upon successful program completion, apprentices qualify to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Health Career Association. After passing, they may apply for an MA-Certified license through the Washington State Department of Health. The schedule is four 10-hour days, with occasional Saturdays. The position is non-exempt and hourly, with a standard wage range of $23.73–$27.91 per hour and the possibility of earning up to $32.04 per hour over time. The apprentice must 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. The position is based at Unity Care NW, which serves the greater Whatcom County area from clinics in Bellingham and Ferndale.

Requirements

Complete Washington State Apprenticeship Agreement forms in a timely manner if hired.
Commit to working at Unity Care NW as a Medical Assistant for at least one year following successful program completion, testing, and licensure, as long as in good standing as an employee.
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 Monday, January 25, 2027.
Be able to attend the required virtual kickoff meeting on Friday, January 29, 2027.
If currently a Unity Care NW employee, have been in the current role for at least one year and be in good standing; exceptions may be made with approval.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Complete patient rooming.
Complete patient testing and procedures according to provider orders or standing orders.
Perform inbox management and other computer tasks.
Administer immunizations and injections.
Perform general clinical operation duties.
Precept new employees and externs and coach MA apprentices.
Order supplies, medications, and vaccines.
Complete 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with an experienced one-on-one MA coach.
Complete 434 hours of supplemental coursework and concurrent online coursework.
Attend three in-person lab days in the Seattle area to practice and demonstrate hands-on technical skills.
Log and report on-the-job hours and skill practices as required.
After program completion, take the CCMA exam and, after passing, apply for the Washington State MA-Certified license.
Work at Unity Care NW as a Medical Assistant for at least one year after successful program completion, testing, and licensure, while in good standing.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with employer match after one year of eligibility.
Six paid holidays.
Paid time off accrued at 108 hours in the first year of eligibility, 156 hours in the second year, and gradually increasing to 196 hours per year over the next eight years.
Paid sick leave.
Paid bereavement, jury duty, and bone marrow/organ donation leaves.
Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Optional supplementary life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability, critical illness, accident, and travel insurance, as well as identity theft protection.
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.
Gym discount.
Employment that counts toward eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Reimbursement of Washington State license fees.
Continuing education dollars and hours for renewing CCMA certification.