Strengthening Patient Care by Building the Workforce 

Several years ago, clinics across the region faced a growing shortage of applicants for medical assistant positions. The challenge raised a critical question: How do you continue providing timely, high-quality care when there are not enough trained health care professionals to support patients?

 

Part of our answer has been a "grow your own" approach to workforce development. Rather than relying solely on outside recruitment, we created opportunities for people in the communities we serve to pursue careers in health care. The Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program, launched in 2023 in partnership with InReach Career Pathways, grew out of that effort.

 

Medical assistants play an important role in patient care. They are often the first person a patient meets during a visit. They take vital signs, gather medical histories, prepare exam rooms, assist providers during procedures, help coordinate follow-up care, and educate patients about treatment plans. Behind the scenes, they help clinics run efficiently by managing patient flow, updating medical records, scheduling appointments, and supporting care teams.

 

The Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program is based out of Family Medical Center in Walla Walla, with apprentices training at 12 Washington clinics. Many apprentices come from the same communities served by those clinics, giving them a firsthand understanding of the challenges patients may face when accessing health care.

 

"We're bringing people in from our community and they already understand what it is like for their patients," said Clinic Nurse Supervisor Jashay Ornelas, who oversees the program.

 

The apprenticeship provides participants with a full year of hands-on clinical experience while they complete their coursework. Rather than learning exclusively in a classroom, apprentices work alongside experienced medical assistants, nurses, and providers, gaining real-world experience with patients every day. That experience teaches far more than clinical skills.

 

"I worked with people every day," said current apprentice Jeni Lara when reflecting on her previous job. "But here it's different. It's really about showing that you care and letting them know that you're there for them."

 

Former apprentice Valeria Hernandez said the program helped her learn how to support patients facing difficult circumstances.

 

"There were times where I didn't know what to say in situations," said Hernandez. "The nurses taught me a lot about how to navigate difficult and emotional situations."

 

Since the first cohort began in July 2023, 41 apprentices have completed the program, and nearly two-thirds went on to begin their careers as Certified Medical Assistants at our clinics. For Ornelas, the program's impact extends beyond filling open positions.

 

"I think it's been really good for patients, for the community, and for the people that are in the program," said Ornelas.

 

The Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program provides a pathway to a career in health care while strengthening the workforce our patients and communities rely on every day.