Allied Healthcare Academy

In partnership with Clover Park Technical College 

Launch your health care career with our fully-funded CNA program designed to provide neurodivergent individuals and those from diverse backgrounds with a pathway to a meaningful, rewarding career. With hands-on experience, comprehensive support, and paid training, this six-week program prepares you to step confidently into the world of patient care. 

Program overview:

Our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program offers participants: 

• Fully-funded education
  
• Hands-on clinical experience at VMFH
  
• Accommodations tailored to neurodivergent needs
  
• Compensation during training 
  

Participants will receive the tools and support needed to succeed, from supplies like scrubs and textbooks to exam fee coverage, ensuring cost is never a barrier to your success.

What you’ll learn:

This six-week program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Through a flexible hybrid model of online learning and in-person clinical training, you will:

• Master essential nursing skills
  
• Provide basic patient care
  
• Ensure patient safety
  
• Communicate effectively with patients and health care teams
  
• Contribute to a positive patient experience 
  

Program details: 

• Duration: Six weeks
  
• Format: Online classroom instruction and in-person skills labs and clinical rotations
  
• Cohort size: Up to 20 participants split into two smaller cohorts
  
• Instructional hours: 108 hours of online, instructor-led training
  
• Clinical hours: 40 hours of hands-on clinical experience at VMFH
  
• Credits: Earn nine college credits from Clover Park Technical College 
  

All-inclusive program support: 

As part of our commitment to removing barriers to health care careers, VMFH provides:

• Scrubs, textbooks, workbooks, stethoscopes and student ID badges
  
• All necessary exam fees, including the written and skills certification exams
  
• Flexible instructional formats to meet neurodivergent needs and other learning styles 
  

Compensation and career path:

While completing the program, you’ll be employed as a trainee at VMFH and compensated at a competitive rate. After successful certification, you will be eligible to transition into a vacant CNA position at VMFH, with an increase in pay. 

Application process: 

• Step 1: Apply to VMFH.
  
• Step 2: Apply to Clover Park Technical College for program enrollment, and to ensure access to college credits and accommodations.
  

Ready to take the first step toward a career that makes a difference?

• Student Nurse Assistant (application link for non-CommonSpirit or non-VMFH employees)
• Student Nurse Assistant (application link for current CommonSpirit or VMFH employees)

For more information, email us at [email protected]. 

Eligibility:

• No previous experience is required.
  
• Participants must be 18 years or older, with a high school diploma or GED.
  
• Individuals do not need to identify as neurodivergent in order to benefit from the program’s tailored accommodations and supportive learning environment.
  
• Participants must have basic proficiency in English, as instruction and communication within the program will be conducted in English.

Employment at VMFH:

If offered a position within the program, participants will be employed as full-time VMFH trainees. Upon completion of the training program and passing of certification exams, participants will have the opportunity to apply for a position that transfers into one of our VMFH facilities within Washington state.
  

In partnership with Clover Park Technical College 

Embark on a rewarding career in surgery with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health’s fully-funded Surgical Technologist program. Designed to provide neurodivergent individuals and those from diverse backgrounds with access to health care careers, this nine-month program prepares you to assist surgeons and become a vital part of the operating room team. 

Program overview:

Our Surgical Technologist (Non-certified) program offers participants: 

• Fully-funded education
  
• Hands-on clinical and laboratory training at VMFH facilities
  
• Support for neurodivergent needs
  
• Compensation during training 
  

Participants will receive everything they need to succeed, from supplies like scrubs and textbooks, to state registration fees, ensuring that cost is never a barrier.

What you’ll learn:

Over the course of nine months, you will gain the skills and knowledge to assist surgeons and provide essential patient care in the operating room. This program combines online instruction with hands-on training, covering:

• Surgical aseptic technique 
  
• Use of surgical instrumentation
  
• Medication and anesthetic agents
  
• Critical thinking and ethical behavior in surgical settings
  
• Direct support of surgeons during procedures 
  

Program details: 

• Duration: Nine months
  
• Format: Live virtual lectures and in-person labs and clinical hours
  
• Cohort size: 15 participants per cohort
  
• Instructional hours: 222 hours of online, instructor-led training
  
• Clinical hours: 280 hours of in-person laboratory and clinical training
  

All-inclusive program support: 

We are committed to removing barriers to health care careers. VMFH provides:

• Scrubs, textbooks, workbooks, stethoscopes and student ID badges
  
• State registration fees
  
• Accommodations for neurodivergent needs and other learning support 
  

You’ll also undergo a pre-assessment to ensure you’re set up for success. Additional training is available to help you meet the program’s entry requirements if needed. 

Compensation and career path:

While completing the program, you’ll be employed as a trainee at VMFH and compensated at a competitive rate. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible for transfer into a vacant surgical technologist position, with an increase in pay. This program also provides a strong foundation for pursuing a two-year surgical technician degree at Clover Park Technical College.

Application process: 

• Step 1: Apply to VMFH.

Take the next step in your surgical career:

This free program is a unique opportunity to receive paid training, while pursuing a meaningful career in surgery. Don’t miss your chance to join VMFH’s surgical team and make a difference in patient care.

• Student Surgical Technician (application link for non-CommonSpirit or non-VMFH employees)
• Student Surgical Technician (application link for current CommonSpirit or VMFH employees)

For more information, email us at [email protected]. 

Eligibility:

• No previous experience is required.
  
• Participants must be 18 years or older, with a high school diploma or GED.
  
• Individuals do not need to identify as neurodivergent in order to benefit from the program’s tailored accommodations and supportive learning environment.
  
• Participants must have basic proficiency in English, as instruction and communication within the program will be conducted in English.
  

Employment at VMFH:

If offered a position within the program, participants will be employed as full-time VMFH trainees. Upon completion of the training program and passing of certification exams, participants will have the opportunity to apply for a position that transfers into one of our VMFH facilities within Washington state.
  

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Apprenticeship Pathway

Looking to begin a career in health care? Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) offers a fully-funded Medical Assistant-Registered (MA-R) program designed to provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and a fast track to certification. This unique opportunity is available exclusively at Virginia Mason and offers an apprenticeship pathway that ensures you are fully equipped for success in the field of medical assisting.

Program overview:

Our MA-R program provides:

• Fully-funded education and training
  
• Hands-on clinical experience in a supportive learning environment
  
• Compensation during training at a competitive rate
  
• Mentorship and coaching from experienced health care professionals 
  

What you’ll learn:

During the six-to-eight-week program, you will receive both in-person and on-the-job training. This comprehensive learning experience will include:

• Pre-department training: Eight hours of in-person, hands-on MA-R instruction
  
• Departmental training: Six to eight weeks of hands-on practice in a clinical setting
  
• Real-world experience: Work alongside coaches and mentors to develop clinical skills and knowledge in patient care
  
• Department validations: Ensure proficiency in clinical tasks
  
• Department of Health endorsement for Medical Assistant-Registered status 
  

Program details: 

• Duration: Six to eight weeks
  
• Format: Eight hours of in-person training and hands-on departmental experience
  
• Cohort size: 10 participants per cohort
  

All-inclusive program support: 

VMFH covers all necessary supplies to set you up for success, including:

• Scrubs, textbooks and workbooks
  
• Exam and registration fees
  
• Endorsement by the Department of Health (DOH) for MA-R certification
  

We ensure that cost is never a barrier to your career in health care.

Compensation and career path:

Participants will be hired as MA-R trainees at VMFH and compensated at a competitive rate throughout the program. Upon successful completion, trainees are endorsed by the DOH as Medical Assistants-Registered, making them eligible for transfer into a full-time MA-R position at VMFH.

Application process: 

• Step 1: Apply to the VMFH Medical Assistant-Registered (MA-R) Program.

This straightforward, one-step process gets you started on your health care journey with ease. 

Launch your career as a medical assistant:

This paid apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to start a career in health care with hands-on experience, mentorship, and a clear path to employment at VMFH. For more information or to apply, email us at [email protected]. 

Eligibility:

• No previous experience is required.
  
• Participants must be 18 years or older, with a high school diploma or GED.
  
• Individuals do not need to identify as neurodivergent in order to benefit from the program’s tailored accommodations and supportive learning environment.
  
• Participants must have basic proficiency in English, as instruction and communication within the program will be conducted in English.
  

Employment at VMFH:

If offered a position within the program, participants will be employed as full-time VMFH trainees. Upon completion of the training program and passing of certification exams, participants will have the opportunity to apply for a position that transfers into one of our VMFH facilities within Washington state.
  

Virginia Mason Medical Center in partnership with the Washington Association of Community Health 

Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in health care? The Medical Assistant Certified (MAC) Apprenticeship Program at Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC) provides the education, training and support needed to become a certified medical assistant. This fully-funded, one-year apprenticeship offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and a clear pathway to certification—all while earning a competitive salary. 

Program overview:

Our MAC Apprenticeship program provides: 

• Fully-funded education and training
  
• 2,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience
  
• Mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals
  
• Ongoing support with monthly check-ins to ensure your success
  
• Compensation throughout the apprenticeship at a competitive rate 
  

What you’ll learn:

This one-year program provides a mix of online coursework and hands-on clinical experience, including: 

• 410 hours of supplemental online learning, covering 30 modules focused on both technical and communication skills
  
• 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, where you’ll work alongside a dedicated coach to develop clinical and patient care skills 
  
• VMMC validations: Training and assessments to ensure your clinical abilities progress along with your coursework
  
• Monthly check-ins facilitated by VMMC staff to review your progress, address any challenges and provide guidance as needed
  
• Exam preparation: Access to a six-week exam prep course through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to help you pass your certification exam with confidence 
  

Program details: 

• Duration: One year
  
• Format: 410 hours of online coursework, 2,000 hours of hands-on training
  
• Cohort size: 10 participants per cohort
  

Comprehensive program support: 

VMMC and the Washington Association of Community Health (WACH) provide all necessary resources and support throughout the program. This includes: 

• Access to online coursework and exam prep materials
  
• A dedicated coach to guide you through your on-the-job training
  
• Monthly reviews of your coursework, hours, progress, and any challenges 
  

We are committed to ensuring your success by providing everything you need to become a confident and capable Medical Assistant Certified (MAC).

Compensation and career path:

Apprentices will be hired as Medical Assistant-Registered (MAR) trainees at VMMC and compensated at a competitive rate during the one-year apprenticeship. Upon completion of the program and passing the certification exam, participants will be eligible for transfer into a full-time Medical Assistant Certified (MAC) position at VMMC.

Application process: 

• Step 1: Apply to the Virginia Mason Medical Center Medical Assistant Certified (MAC) Apprenticeship Program. 

This simple, one-step process is your entry point into a career as a certified medical assistant.

Start your career in health care with the MAC apprenticeship

The Medical Assistant Certified Apprenticeship Program is a great opportunity to gain real-world experience, mentorship, and certification—all while earning a salary. For more information or to apply, email us at [email protected]. 

Eligibility:

• No previous experience is required.
  
• Participants must be 18 years or older, with a high school diploma or GED.
  
• Individuals do not need to identify as neurodivergent in order to benefit from the program’s tailored accommodations and supportive learning environment.
  
• Participants must have basic proficiency in English, as instruction and communication within the program will be conducted in English.
  

Employment at VMFH:

If offered a position within the program, participants will be employed as full-time VMFH trainees. Upon completion of the training program and passing of certification exams, participants will have the opportunity to apply for a position that transfers into one of our VMFH facilities within Washington state.