LANSING, Mich. – University of Michigan Health-Sparrow celebrated the latest graduates of its no-cost Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program, placing ceremonial pins on a new group in an event designed to highlight a proven pathway into health care careers.

The ceremony, held at the Michigan Athletic Club, underscored UM Health-Sparrow’s long-standing effort to build a sustainable pipeline of workers as hospitals and clinics across Michigan continue to struggle to fill critical clinical roles. The Medical Assistant program was established in 2018.

“This pinning ceremony represents more than just completion of a program, it represents a sustainable way to grow our own workforce,” said Teri Brecht, Rural Health Accreditation and Education Specialist at UM Health-Sparrow. “These apprentices have proven that you can create real career opportunities and fill critical jobs at the same time.”

The U.S. Department of Labor-recognized program creates a paid path to a full-time career, covering all tuition, books and wages for participants. It targets students who may lack the time or financial resources for traditional education, offering on-the-job training and classroom instruction at no cost. The 24-week apprenticeship combines virtual instruction, hands-on training at Lansing Community College and experience within UM Health-Sparrow clinics.

The graduates now move into full-time roles with the health system, helping to ease staffing shortages that have challenged health systems across the state.

“We built this program for people who might never have thought a health care career was within reach,” Brecht said. “Every one of these apprentices showed up ready to learn, and now they are ready and providing direct patient care.”

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