Alaska Primary Care Association

In 2017, the Alaska Primary Care Association formed a partnership with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development to start an Health Apprenticeship Program focusing on new employees at Alaska’s Community Health Centers. Grant funding was awarded to the APCA, which allowed us to launch apprenticeships in several health professions. Today, the APCA is a multi-agency sponsor for Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Billing & Coding Specialist, Electronic Health Records Specialist, and Community Health Workers. The the SC Alaska AHEC of the APCA manages these programs.

The SC Alaska AHEC understands that the health workforce shortage in Alaska can be challenging for Community Health Centers and all Alaskan health care facilities. One way we can make a difference is in the area of “grow your own” – knowing that people from Alaskan communities who can find a good job, with fulfilling career advancement are likely to stay in those jobs for a longer time. This is good for the individual, the CHC, and for the community. The APCA Apprenticeship program will require that the apprentice be employed, have a dedicated mentor, and experience both didactic and on the job learning.

Exams at the end of the apprenticeships will be proctored both distantly and in the APCA office. APCA will also provide apprenticeship peer learning and support – and mentor peer learning and support. Finally, all of the didactic instruction will be delivered via distance learning technology. Community Health Centers will benefit from the apprentice from the beginning, enjoying the increasing level of skills and responsibility accrued over the course of the apprenticeship