Alaska Primary Care Association Launches Health Care Apprenticeships

JUNEAU, Alaska— The Alaska Primary Care Association, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and U.S. Department of Labor have signed standards of apprenticeship to start four new health care Registered Apprenticeship programs. The Registered Apprenticeships include Community Health Worker, Medical Administrative Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Medical Biller/Coder. This program is supported with federal grant money from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Christian Health Associates, Bethel Family Clinic, Camai Community Health Center (Bristol Bay), Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, Cross Road Health Ministries, Easter Aleutian Tribes, Girdwood Health Center, Interior Community Health Center, Yakutat Tlingit Tribe, and Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation have already identified Alaskans who are signing up as apprentices through the program.

“This represents a massive expansion of Registered Apprenticeship in the health care sector and in rural Alaska,” said Alaska Labor Commissioner Heidi Drygas. “Community Health Workers and other health care professionals will help improve Alaskans’ health care while supporting cost effectiveness strategies identified in Senate Bill 74 and the Healthy Alaska Plan.”

“Registered Apprenticeship is part of the solution to Alaska’s health workforce shortages – and it’s a win-win-win for the apprentice, the practices, and the community. It’s a grow-your-own training strategy that improves the availability of quality care while controlling costs,” said Nancy Merriman, Executive Director of the Alaska Primary Care Association.

Registered Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with technical classroom instruction, and is designed to offer worker training based on the needs of the employers. Registered Apprenticeship programs directly contribute to higher rates of Alaska Hire and lower rates of unemployment. The number of Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors has increased 86% since 2000.

Alaskans interested in these health care Registered Apprenticeship opportunities should visit http://www.alaskapca.org/workforce.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development Press Release – February 2, 2017