Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program Builds the Future of Care at Yakima Valley Farm Worker Clinic
“The program was wonderful to me, I’ve learned so much and continue to learn and grow every day since I am thankful for YVFWC and InReach for the opportunity.”
Workforce pipeline programs at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic are an essential part of eliminating barriers to care. For decades, we have invested in these programs to address shortages in doctors, dentists, and nurses. The Medical Assistant (MA) Apprenticeship Program at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic is the latest workforce development solution that strengthens our clinics, supports patients, and creates life-changing career pathways for those who participate.
In our rural communities, Certified Medical Assistants can be difficult to recruit. It is also a position type with historically high turnover. When we created our program, our premise was simple: if we cannot find them, we will grow them.
MA Apprentices are full-time, paid employees of Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic. We cover the cost of tuition, books, and certification. This helps remove financial barriers and makes the program more accessible to individuals who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to enter the field.
Brianna Madrigal Cruz, Certified Medical Assistant at 11th Avenue Family Medicine Clinic
“When I became interested in becoming a Medical Assistant, I quickly realized how difficult it could be to balance school with full-time work. That’s what makes the YVFWC apprenticeship program so impactful, it removed those barriers for me. I was able to continue working, gain hands-on experience in the medical field, and complete my education at the same time.”
For those interested in healthcare, the Apprenticeship Program offers a rare chance to enter the healthcare field while also benefiting from a full-time, paid position. Apprentices gain real-world experience in a supportive clinical environment, building skills and confidence throughout the year-long program.
The program is offered in partnership with InReach Career Pathways, a division of the Washington Association for Community Health.
InReach provides the curriculum, lab days, and academic oversight, while Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic delivers hands-on, in-clinic training supervised by experienced Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) coaches.
Manuel Corona holds his Certificate of Completion issued by Washington Association of Community Health and InReach. Manuel Corona is now a Certified Medical Assistant at West Valley Family Health in Yakima, Washington.
“The Medical Assistant Apprentice Program was a truly meaningful experience for me,” said Manuel Corona, a Certified Medical Assistant at West Valley Family Health in Yakima and former MA apprentice. “It gave me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally by combining hands-on clinical experience with structured learning and strong mentorship.”
While the program is open to anyone with a high school diploma, it has also created advancement opportunities for Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic employees seeking to grow their careers internally. Karen Medina, who began her career at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic as a call center agent and later completed the apprenticeship, described the program’s impact on her professional journey.
“The apprentice program is an amazing opportunity, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference in our patients’ health,” Medina said. “Becoming a primary MA has allowed me to build strong relationships with both my provider and my patients.”
According to Clinic Nurse Supervisor Jashay Ornelas, patients also noticed when they saw someone who used to work as a clinic receptionist was training for a new role. “They were excited to see staff they recognize move into new positions,” Ornelas said. “That continuity builds trust and shows patients we are investing in our people.”
Since the program was launched, 41 apprentices have completed the program, and 21 more are currently enrolled. For Yakima Valley Farm
Karen Medina, Certified Medical Assistant at Yakima Medical Dental Clinic celebrating her new role with Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic.
Workers Clinic, the program serves as a valuable talent pipeline. 63% of individuals who started the program accepted MA positions with us. Retention numbers are also promising as 81% of Certified Medical Assistants who went through the program continue to work here. Currently, 12 out of 15 of our primary care locations in Washington State host MA apprentices. Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic aims to expand this program with a new Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program launched this year.
April 29th is National Apprenticeship Appreciation Day.