UM Health-Sparrow celebrates new graduates from medical assistant apprenticeship program 

LANSING, Mich. – University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is proud to announce the newest graduating class of medical assistant (MA) apprentices, addressing a great need for MAs in health care. The 12 graduates were honored this week during a pinning ceremony at UM Health-Sparrow Lansing.

UM Health-Sparrow launched the innovative 24-week class medical assistant apprenticeship class in 2018. The fast-track, approved by the Department of Labor, is operated through Lansing Community College, which provides one-on-one, hands-on instruction by UM Health-Sparrow’s highly skilled team members. The health system covers the entire cost of the program, including tuition, books, scrubs, and wages during clinical hours.

“Our discoveries change care, and our care changes lives,” said UM Health-Sparrow Talent Acquisition Recruiter Alicia Dell. “Congratulations to all our apprentices on this significant achievement.”

The multi-skilled professionals have committed to serving as UM Health-Sparrow medical assistants for two years after graduation and will provide a wide range of patient care responsibilities, including taking vital signs, drawing blood, performing patient tests and administrative tasks. To date, 44 graduates of the program currently work for UM Health-Sparrow. However, there are still roughly 50 open MA positions across the health system.

“Programs like this are essential in filling our ranks and meeting the growing need for health care workers, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional care,” said Dell. “Through these efforts, we embody our mission 'to advance health to serve Michigan and the world.’”

To learn more about UM Health-Sparrow trainee programs or job openings, visit Careers.UofMHealthSparrow.org.