InReach Apprenticeship and Training Programs
Mission: To cultivate an equitable and sustainable community health workforce through innovative education and training programs.
The Association's InReach team hosts on-the-job training programs that provide individuals with full-time employment and supplemental instruction to obtain an industry recognized credential in the healthcare field. We currently offer a Medical Assistant apprenticeship and a Dental Assistant training program. In addition to running these programs in Washington, we offer consultations to organizations in other states interested in launching their own.
Registered Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program
The Registered Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program is a 12-month program that prepares students to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) test through the National Healthcareer Association. It has been approved by the State of Washington as an equivalent to an MA-C program at a community or technical college. The InReach team works with employers who recruit and host apprentices from their local communities.
The program is:
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A registered apprenticeship through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
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Governed by an Apprenticeship Committee of 50% employer and 50% MA representatives.
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Administered through the Washington Association for Community Health.
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Training students in the specific skills required to achieve the MA-Certified credential, as outlined in RCW Chapter 18.360 and WAC 246-827.
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Providing curriculum approved by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Employer Expectations
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Register as an approved training agent.
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Provide a 1:1 MA-C coach for each apprentice.
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Allow apprentices and coaches adequate time to meet and practice skills on the job.
Apprentice Expectations
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Complete 2000 hours of on-the-job training (paid) with the support and guidance of an experienced one-on-one MA coach.
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Complete 410 hours of supplemental coursework (unpaid). Online coursework.
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Attend 3 in-person lab days with an expert instructor to practice and demonstrate mastery of hands-on technical skills.
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Log and report on-the-job hours and skill practices as required.
Interested in Participating?
Cohorts begin on a quarterly basis in January, April, July and October every year. InReach works with over 65 employer partners across the state who are responsible for interviewing, screening, and hiring all apprentices. For this reason, we do not accept or process applications to become an apprentice. Please email us at workforce@wacommunityhealth.org with your current location if you'd like to receive a list of participating employers in your area.
Additional Information
375+
Active Students
800+
InReach Alumni
98%
CCMA Exam Pass Rate
80+
Employer Partners
84%
Average Medical Assistant Retention Rate
7 States
Represented Within In-REACH's National Network
Dental Assistant Training Program
The DA Training Program prepares students to work as registered dental assistants in the state of Washington. Over 12 months, students complete 39 modules of online coursework while learning skills on-the-job. Students have the support of an online expert instructor as they complete weekly coursework and take mid-term and final exams.
Cohorts begin biannually in May and November every year. InReach works with over 65 employer partners across the state who are responsible for interviewing, screening, and hiring all apprentices. For this reason, we do not accept or process applications to become an apprentice. More information about the program is included in the links below.
Please email us at workforce@wacommunityhealth.org with your current location if you'd like to receive a list of participating employers in your area.
Details on the training program:
For more information on either program, contact The Workforce Team.
Interested in bringing healthcare training to your state?
InReach offers consultation services to organizations outside of Washington that are interested in starting healthcare training programs. Let us walk you through the process of establishing an apprenticeship program and explain best practices along the way. We are even able to license our curriculum so you can get your program started as quickly as possible. All inquiries can be directed to: workforce@wacommunityhealth.org.