Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn

Apprenticeship programs

We’re partnering with high schools, colleges and workforce centers from across the region to raise awareness about the demand for health care professionals. Our apprenticeships offer an immersive “earn while you learn” training and coursework experience to prepare students for success in a professional role upon program completion. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected]

Upcoming programs

  • Fall 2024: Applications will open in May for a Fall 2024 Cohort Start
  • Spring 2025: Applications will open in October for a Spring 2025 Cohort Start
Ashley Seibel, MA, and Curtis Brown, RN, cardiology at Mercy Hospital, Durango, Colorado.

Medical Assistant Apprentice Program

The Medical Assistant (MA) Apprenticeship Program is a hands-on, 6 month program that prepares students to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant test (CCMA) through the National Health Career Association. The program includes online learning and on-site labs at your local Community College.

While going through the MA Program, you will be hired to work with us as a Medical Assistant Apprentice. Apprentices will work with us, while completing their MA training through Arapahoe Community College, Front Range Community College, or Pueblo Community College.

A day in the life as a Medical Assistant

MAs work alongside providers to perform both administrative and clinical duties in mostly outpatient care locations. MAs are trained for both front and back-offices duties such as answering phones, greeting patients, and coding/billing insurance forms. MAs are a vital partner to the provider. Their back-office responsibilities include taking medical histories, assisting in examinations and procedures, patient education, and performing or arranging an array of medical tests.

Education Requirements

  • Applicants will need a High School Diploma or GED
Medical Assistant Apprenticeship FAQ

Medical Assistant Apprenticeship FAQ

Next Steps

Share your interest in learning more here. After taking a moment to share your basic information, we will email you to schedule a time to connect to share more about our program and answer your questions!

Our Financial Contribution

We will pay for $2,500 of the tuition which will require a commitment agreement signed by the student to work with us for 13 months upon after completing the program.

Your Program Commitment

The program is time intensive and requires a commitment of 30-60 hours per week, which includes:

  • 12 – 32 hours in the clinic per week
  • 8+ hours of lab/lecture on campus per week
  • 10+ hours of online education on nights and weekends (self-paced)
Doug Orndorff, MD, with team, perform a spinal surgery on a patient in an operating room at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, Colorado, U.S.

Sterile Processing Apprentice Program

The Sterile Processing program is a 6 month, paid apprenticeship through a partnership with the Front Range Community College (FRCC). The program consists of coursework, on-site lectures, and hands-on simulation in a fully functioning Sterile Processing department. Apprentices will learn how to process surgical instruments to be used in the operating room setting in accordance with national standards set by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).

A day in the life as a Sterile Processing Tech

Sterile Processing Technicians (SPT or SPD) are responsible for cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments, medical devices, and lab equipment, along with safely repackaging instruments and storing them in a sterile storage area. Sterile Processing Technicians decontaminate, prepare, sterilize, and distributes surgical instruments and medical equipment.

Education Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • CRCST or CSPDT certification within 18 months of hire
  • If facility and clinical orientation is incomplete, it is required within the first 30 days of employment
Sterile Processing Apprenticeship FAQ

Sterile Processing Apprenticeship FAQ

Next Steps

Express your interest in learning more here. After taking a moment to share your basic information, we will email you to schedule a time to connect to share more about our program and answer your questions!

Our Financial Contribution

We will pay for $3,000 of the tuition which will require a commitment agreement signed by the student to work with us for 12 months upon after completing the program.

Your Program Commitment

The program requires a commitment up to 60 hours per week, which includes:

  • Up to 8 hours/week of classroom/lab instruction
  • Up to 40 hours/week of working in the sterile processing department
  • Up to 10 hours/week of online education
Gracel Fonck, Pharmacy

Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program

The Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program is a 6 month, paid program that prepares students to take the Certified Pharmacy Technician Test through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Trainees will be hired by CommonSpirit Health while completing their Pharmacy Technician training through Front Range Community College.

A day in the life as a Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technicians are allied health professional who assist pharmacists in promoting an organized and functional pharmacy service. They also prepare medications for dispensing and maintaining records.

During the apprenticeship, the apprentice will function in a support role performing duties such as maintaining an organized, functional pharmacy service, preparing medications for dispensing and maintaining records.

Educational Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship FAQ

Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship FAQ

Next Steps

Express your interest in learning more here. After taking a moment to share your name and contact, we will email you to schedule a time to connect to share more about our program and answer your questions.

Our Financial Contribution

We will pay for $3,000 of the tuition which will require a commitment agreement signed by the student to work with us for 13 months upon after completing the program.

Your Program Commitment

The program is time intensive, requiring a commitment from 30-50 hours per week, and includes:

  • 16 - 20 hours of working in the pharmacy weekly
  • Up to 8 hours of lab/lecture on campus
  • 12 hours+ of online education on nights and weekends (self-paced)
Surgical lab tech

Medical Lab Tech Apprenticeship Program

The Medical Lab Tech Apprenticeship is a paid 12 month program that guides students through the completion of an accredited MLT program. Apprentices will be hired directly by our organization while completing their Medical Lab Tech training through Arapahoe Community College. Apprentices will work 10 hours weekly in the lab (paid hours) in addition to virtual class time and online work.

A day in the life as a Medical Lab Tech

Medical Lab Techs are allied health professionals who work to perform tests on patient samples to prevent and diagnose both disease and illnesses. MLTs generally work under the supervision of a Medical Laboratory Scientist or lab manager in laboratories where they perform tests such as analyzing body fluids, tissue and other substances. Medical Lab Techs apply technical knowledge in ways that ensure quality test results for patients and their providers.

Educational Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
Program Pre-Requisites

Program Pre-Requisites

Please consult with Arapahoe Community College to see if you have already completed any pre-requisites through previous education.

General Education Courses

  • All classes are credit classes that should be completed before the beginning of the apprenticeship program that will begin in the Fall semester.
  • Candidates will be able to transfer in equivalent coursework if courses were taken within a 5- year span of time
  • Courses are delivered in online format through ACC/CCC Online
  • Course cost is estimated with the anticipation of instate tuition cost, less COF (College Opportunity Fund) General Education Courses

Spring Semester

  • BIO 2101 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab: GT-SC1, 4 Credits
  • CIS 1018 - Introduction to PC Applications, 3 Credits OR higher-level CIS course
  • ENG 1021 - English Composition I: GT-CO1, 3 Credits OR ENG 1031 - Technical Writing I: GT-CO1, 3 Credits
  • COM 1150 - Public Speaking, 3 Credits OR COM 1250 - Interpersonal Communication, 3 Credits

Total Credits: 13

Summer Semester

  • BIO 2102 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab: GT-SC1, 4 Credits
  • CHE 1011 - Introduction to Chemistry I with Lab: GTSC1, 5 Credits OR CHE 1111 - General College Chemistry I: GT-SC1, 5 Credits
  • HPR 1040 - Comprehensive Medical Terminology, 3 Credits

Total Credits: 12

Pre-Apprenticeship
Total Credits: 25

For questions regarding pre-requisites, please contact Shao Yeung with Arapahoe Community College at 303-797-5723

Medical Lab Tech Apprenticeship FAQ

Medical Lab Tech Apprenticeship FAQ

Next Steps

Express your interest in learning more here. After taking a moment to share your name and contact, we will email you to schedule a time to connect to share more about our program and answer your questions.

Program Costs

  • We will pay for $3,000 of the tuition which will require a commitment agreement signed by the student to work with us for 12 months upon after completing the program.
  • Please note, this amount does not include the cost of pre-requisite programs, which must be completed prior to joining this program.
    Please connect with local workforce centers for additional support and guidance.

Program Commitment

The program requires a commitment up to 40 hours per week, which includes:

  • 10+ hours weekly in the lab (paid hours)
  • Virtual class time and online work
Surgical tech

Surgical Technician Apprenticeship Program

The Surgical Technician Apprentice Program is a 2 year program which includes completing 4 semesters of education (this program can be completed under two years if summer classes are an option/available.) Through our school partnerships, students will complete their education requirements at the Front Range Community College or Community College of Denver.

Students must complete 3 semesters of education prior to applying and completing an apprenticeship during the semester. The apprenticeship program starts during your 4th Semester and at that time the apprentice will receive payment directly from our organization for their work with us. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, there is a certification exam, after successfully passing the apprentice will be hired into a Certified Surgical Technician role.

A day in the life as a Surgical Technician

It is the responsibility of the Surgical Technologists assist with surgical procedures in an operating room. The Surgical Technician understands the procedure and can anticipates the surgeons needs to successful help them with the procedure. Their daily job duties include gathering and organizing necessary surgical tools during the procedure and assisting the team by handing them tools and sterilizing the operating room post-surgeries.

During the apprenticeship, the apprentice will receive great experience as they function in a Surgical Technician role, helping with a wide variety of cases.

Educational Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
Surgical Technician Apprenticeship FAQ

Surgical Technician Apprenticeship FAQ

Next Steps

Express your interest in learning more here. After taking a moment to share your name and contact, we will email you to schedule a time to connect to share more about our program and answer your questions.

Program Costs

This program comes with a commitment agreement signed by the student to work with us for 18 months upon after completing the program.

Program Commitment

  • The program is time intensive, requiring a commitment from 40-50 hours per week for work, classes, and test prep.
Additional Information

The remaining balance after our financial contribution (listed above per program) is the responsibility of the Apprentice. There are opportunities for tuition assistance through the Workforce Centers, Federal Student Aid, and tuition reimbursement for our associates.

Please contact local workforce centers for guidance and additional information.

Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, and Medical Lab Tech apprentices are not eligible for benefits while completing the program. Once these apprentices move into Certified, full-time roles, they are eligible for benefits.

Sterile Processing & Surgical Tech apprentices are eligible for benefits while they are in the program.