The Medical Assistant (MA) Apprenticeship is a yearlong, earn-as-you-learn program designed to equip candidates with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the role as a certified medical assistant (CMA) at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. MA Apprentices commit to working at Fred Hutch for two full years as a CMA in exchange for program tuition and paid employment throughout the yearlong apprenticeship, adding up to three total years.
During the year-long program, apprentices work alongside a designated coach and participate as a team member in the clinic's overall function. Our dedicated education team and coaches provide comprehensive training which fulfills state program requirements and equips apprentices with the specific skills needed to succeed as a CMA in the unique care of oncology patients.
The MA Apprenticeship program at Fred Hutch requires apprentices to balance rigorous coursework and clinical skill labs in addition to full-time employment.
Program Requirements
- Complete 2000 hours of on-the-job training (paid) with the support and guidance of an experienced one-on-one MA coach.
- Complete 410 hours of supplemental online coursework (unpaid).
- Attend 3 in-person lab days with an expert instructor to practice and demonstrate mastery of hands-on technical skills.
- Log and report on-the-job hours and skill practices as required.
Once all program requirements are met, MA Apprentices will sit for the national certification exam to obtain their CMA licensure and begin work as a CMA at Fred Hutch. MA Apprentice graduates commit to working at Fred Hutch for two full years as a CMA (adding up to a three year commitment in total).
This program is offered in partnership with the Washington Association for Community Health, a recognized leader in healthcare career development. Learn more about our partner Washington Association for Community Health.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the MA Apprenticeship Program, candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Obtain an active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification prior to start date
- Demonstrate commitment to yearlong program and additional two-year commitment contract achieving medical assistant certification
Prior experience in healthcare is not required. The apprenticeship program is ideal for both newcomers to healthcare and experienced professionals seeking to advance their scope in hands-on patient care role.
Preferred Qualifications
We prioritize hiring individuals with a passion to enter the field of healthcare, specifically in working with oncology patients. Ideal applicants demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to lifelong learning, and actively seek feedback as an important part of their continuous growth and learning in the role.
Finally, we seek individuals who are driven by the urgency of our patients and are committed to diversity, equity, inclusive and antiracism in their care of patients, families and staff.
Application Timeframe
Check back for updates as dates and cohort size could possibly change*
| Process Step | January 2025 Cohort |
|---|---|
| Application Available | October 14 - November 1, 2024 |
| Interview Timelines | November 4 - November 22, 2024 |
| Final Decisions | Friday, December 20, 2024 |
| Healthcare Provider BLS Certification Deadline | Friday, January 17, 2025 by 2 p.m. |
| Start Date | Tuesday, January 21, 2025* |
Application Process
- Applications for each cohort will be available for a 3-week window. Submitted applications are reviewed and qualified applicants will be selected to complete a phone screen with a recruiter.
- After completing the phone screen, select applicants will complete a first-round interview with the Fred Hutch Education team.
- Top candidates will be invited to participate in a final round of interviews with clinic leaders.
- Offers will be extended on the final decision date.
Application Considerations
- Be ready to apply as soon as the application window opens. The application process moves quickly. Applications or resumes submitted after the availability window will not be accepted.
- Be prepared for your phone screen. Recruiters will ask you to confirm your understanding of the program requirements and commitment timeline, and why you are drawn to this position and healthcare specialty.
- Reflect on your former work experiences. Be prepared to share specific examples of your former experiences in your interview. We look forward to learning about what draws you to this field and profession, and how your skillset and experiences may translate to the care of oncology patients.
- Plan to provide references. Candidates considered in the interview process will be required to provide two professional references, with at least one reference being a current or former supervisor who can speak to your work and qualities.
- Finalists will be asked to submit a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) statement describing their commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in their career at Fred Hutch. Read more about DEI at Fred Hutch.
- Prior healthcare experience is not required to apply. However, be prepared to describe what draws you to the field of healthcare and oncology specifically, and how your values align with our organization’s mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is meant to provide a comprehensive overview of the MA Apprenticeship Program and frequently asked questions of former applicants. If your question is not addressed in this page, please contact the MA Apprenticeship Program (education@fredhutch.org).
Applying and Hiring
Please review the sections on eligibility and preferred qualifications for required and preferred applicant qualifications.
- Include any previous work experiences, especially those in healthcare or customer service settings serving diverse populations and demonstrating client-centered care.
- Include any relevant education, certifications, and volunteer experiences as applicable.
Cover letters are not required of applicants. You are welcome to provide a cover letter if you wish to provide more information on what draws you to the field of healthcare and specifically working at Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
Each cohort we receive many applications from highly qualified candidates, and the selection process is very competitive. While prior work experience at Fred Hutch is considered, it does not guarantee a position in the apprenticeship program.
Time Commitment and Work Expectations
During the yearlong program, all apprentices are expected to work full-time (40 hours per week) and complete 2000 on-the-job training hours. It is not possible to allow part-time apprentices, as enrolling full-time is a requirement for registered apprentices in Washington state.
Upon completion of the program and beginning your two-year commitment in a certified medical assistant role, you are expected to continue working full-time. Any change to FTE is at the discretion of department managers, and commitment contract timeline may be amended if working less than full-time.
It is an expectation that apprentices do not have vacation or time off unless previously negotiated upon hire for the first 6 months of their program. This expectation applies to both internal and external candidates.
All apprentices accrue vacation time off throughout their yearlong program per Fred Hutch organization standards.
After the first 6 months, time-off requests are considered per department standards and will be subject to review by the department manager.
Apprentices are paired with a designated coach and will be assigned shifts to mirror their designated coach’s schedule as closely as possible throughout the year.
Department operating hours vary. In general, apprentices are expected to work five 8-hour shifts per week, between 7-9 a.m. start time and 3:30-5:30 p.m. end times. Shift times and schedules may change based on coach availability and clinic staffing needs and will be communicated in advance.
Once apprentices complete all program requirements and pass their certified medical assistant exam, they will apply into an open CMA position and begin a 2-year commitment to work full-time as a CMA at Fred Hutch. Open positions are subject to change, and apprentices are not guaranteed a permanent position in their primary training department. However, the MA Apprenticeship program equips apprentices to succeed in a wide range of clinical areas across Fred Hutch.
Full-time employment (40 hours per week) is expected during the 2-year commitment contract. Department operating hours and shift times vary, and specific shift options will be discussed during the interview process upon completion of the apprenticeship program. Any changes to schedule or FTE are at the discretion of the hiring manager and may result in an amended commitment contract timeline.
After successfully completing the yearlong training program and becoming certified, apprentice graduates agree to work at Fred Hutch as Certified Medical Assistants for two years (three-year commitment in total). This ensures apprentice graduates gain valuable experience after certification and gives apprentices a head start in their healthcare career. If, for any reason, an apprentice cannot fulfill the two-year commitment, the program tuition of $4,850 will be prorated based on your length of employment with Fred Hutch. For example, if an apprentice fulfilled one year of the 2-year commitment contract, the apprentice would be responsible for paying back half of the tuition total.