What You'll Experience
The program consists of:
- A blend of self-paced online modules and on-the-job training with a preceptor from your employer. The online component consists of 13 modules, covering topics from anatomy and physiology to front desk administration.
- You’ll gain hands-on experience while continuing to work and earn your regular pay.
- The entire program, including both the online modules and on-the-job training, typically takes 4-6 months to complete.
- Upon completion, participants are eligible to sit for the CCMA exam. The exam can be proctored onsite by a staff member at your organization.
How to Join
To enroll in the Medical Assistant (MA) Apprenticeship Program, you must be employed by a participating community health center or organization. Individuals cannot enroll independently.
If your organization is already participating, let your supervisor know you’re interested in joining the apprenticeship (see the list of participating organizations at the bottom of this page).
If your organization is not currently participating, you can share this link with them, which includes employer-specific information. They can also submit the Inquiry Form for Organizations to begin the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Medical Assistant (MA)?
Administrative Duties: They answer telephones, greet patients, update and file patient medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping.
Clinical Duties: Includes taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. (Source: American Association of Medical Assistants)
Is HCAN's Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program legitimate, and how does it work?
Yes. HCAN’s Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program is a U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship that combines on-the-job training, online learning, and structured skills validation to prepare participants for national certification. Training takes place at the apprentice’s workplace under a designated preceptor and replaces traditional clinical rotations with verified on-the-job competency tracking. Apprentices earn the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential upon completion, a nationally recognized certification. The on-the-job skills checklist was developed in consultation with Nebraska DHHS.
The program has been active since 2022, has served over 200 apprentices, and is used by 17 healthcare organizations across Nebraska. It is supported by federal apprenticeship standards and endorsed by the Nebraska Hospital Association.
Verification materials, including credentials, skills checklists, and curriculum documentation, are available upon request. For questions, please reach out to Daphne Calhoun at djc@hcanebraska.org.
How do I join the program?
To enroll, you must be employed by a participating organization and have your employer’s support.
If your organization is already participating (see the list of participating organizations at the bottom of this page), let your supervisor know you are interested in joining the apprenticeship. Next steps will be determined by your employer.
If your organization is not currently participating, it will need to join the program before you can be enrolled. To learn how your employer can join, click here.
Are there any requirements to join the program?
To participate, individuals must:
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Age: 18+
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Be employed at a participating health center or organization
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Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or other equivalency)
Employers can choose to require qualifications beyond those listed above.
Can I enroll on my own?
No. This is an employer-sponsored apprenticeship. You must be employed at a participating health center or organization.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The MA Apprenticeship Program typically takes 4–6 months to complete, but it is fully self-paced. There is no expiration or cutoff date for accessing the online materials, allowing participants to move through the program at a pace that works best for them.
How do I find a participating organization?
See the map at the bottom of this page.
How often does certification need to be renewed?
To renew your certification through NHA, MAs need to complete 10 Continuing Education (CE) credits. These credits are available for free on the NHA portal. Once the CEs are completed, they can submit their certification renewal and pay the $185 fee, which extends their certification for another two years. Click here for more detailed info from NHA.
“OneWorld is unique in that they provide this opportunity for certification for Medical Assistant Apprenticeship. If you went anywhere else, you’d have to go to an outside school and pay for it and it’s really nice that OneWorld supports us like this. I think this is a great opportunity to grow your career and it’s a great resume builder.” – Abby, Cohort 3, July 2023
Participating Organizations
17 participating locations
Health Centers
- Bluestem Health
- Charles Drew Health Center
- Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska
- Good Neighbor Community Health Center
- Heartland Health Center
- Midtown Health Center
- OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.
- All Care Health Center
- Siouxland Community Health Center
Organizations
- Beatrice Community Hospital
- Brown County Hospital
- Columbus Medical Center
- Hastings Internal Medicine
- Mary Lanning Healthcare
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists PC
- Prairie Creek Family Medicine
- West Holt Memorial Hospital