Sawtooth Mountain Clinic (SMC) offers a Medical Assistant (MA) Apprentice yearlong

training program, with the next cohort starting in January of 2027. An MA at SMC is

responsible for the efficient flow of patients by prioritizing the following: rooming

patients; gathering patient vital signs, taking appropriate patient histories, setting up

room for anticipated procedures; sterilizing used instruments, anticipating provider’s

needs; assisting providers during exams and procedures, and returning patient calls in a

timely manner.

The apprenticeship, sponsored by the Minnesota Association of Community Health

Centers and MN PATHways (Preparing Aspiring Talent for Healthcare), requires all

apprentices to be employed by a participating Health Center, like SMC, for the entirety

of the apprenticeship. Applicants apply through SMC, must be at least 18 years of age,

and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. No other experience is required.

The training is broken into full-time, on-the-job training at SMC, supplementary

coursework that can usually be completed during regular work hours, skills tracking

through competency logs, and 3 in-person lab days over the course of the year. The

apprenticeship covers the cost of materials, (which includes a new laptop, online

textbooks, and other resources), coaching, and certification exam fees for the

apprentice. Apprentices are paired with an experienced coach, either a Certified

Medical Assistant or an LPN, who will provide guidance, demonstrate skills, and offer

support during shadowing. Apprentices who graduate from the program receive all the

tools and skills needed (including the laptop) to become successful healthcare

professionals. After graduation from the program, MA apprentices are eligible to take

the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam through the National Healthcare

Association.

Medical Assistant Apprentices are full-time, benefit eligible employees of SMC. SMC is

currently hiring one more apprentice to join the team in August and participate in the

2027 cohort. Applications are available on the SMC Website or available at the SMC

front desk, and the position is open until filled. Questions may be sent to Ellen Seltz,

Human Resources and Administrative Specialist at SMC, at

[email protected] or by calling 218-387-2330.