Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program

Get paid for a learning experience at CoxHealth.

Our medical assistant apprenticeship program gives participants a salary and pays for their tuition while attending class and getting hands-on experience in a health care setting. Students who successfully complete the program may be considered for a job.

The program features classes at OTC and time spent training in various CoxHealth facilities, including clinics, physician offices and urgent cares, in a clinical setting or as front office staff.

The 16-week program is open to anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Applications now open

Cohort Opportunities:

Cohort 21: January 6th – May 9th (Applications open September 16th 2024 to December 6th 2024)

Cohort 22: February 24th – June 27th (Applications open December 16th 2024 – January 31st 2025)

Cohort 23: April 21st – August 15th (Applications open February 3rd 2025 to March 28th 2025)

Cohort 24: May 26th – September 19th (Applications open March 31st 2025 to May 2nd 2025)

Cohort 25:July 14th – November 14th (Applications open May 5th 2025 – June 20th 2025)

Cohort 26: August 25th – December 19th (Applications open June 23rd 2025 – August 1st 2025)

Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Application

FAQs

How long is the program?

It’s an approximate 16 weeks, which includes class/lab time at OTC along with clinical rotations at a CoxHealth Clinic.

What do I need to have to be eligible for the program?

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You may not have any past-due balance with OTC. It is also highly recommended that one has their own computer or laptop with internet access to complete assignments outside of the classroom.

I don’t live in Springfield, how will that work?

Classes will all be held at the OTC campus in Springfield. Clinical rotations are heavily scheduled in our Springfield Metro area, but some rotations may require travel to Branson or rural clinics to assure you the best learning experience. Nearing completion of the program, you will be able to apply to any and all open Medical Assistant positions that we currently have open at that time. We are unable to guarantee a position at a clinic in a specific location.

Who pays my tuition to OTC?

In return for a 2-year work commitment, CoxHealth will pay the cost of tuition and supplies (books, uniforms, and other required materials needed) directly to OTC for those that are selected into the program.

What exactly is the $5,250 in agreement totals? Are those funds that will need to be paid back?

Tuition/supplies cost ($5,250)

If you don’t fulfill the work commitment to “pay off” the loan, that is when you are expected to pay back the remaining amount that you haven't worked off. Accounting handles repayment; they would help you set up a payment plan if you were to leave CoxHealth or break the terms before completing the work commitment.

Will I receive credits for the program to other schools since it's through OTC?

No, currently there is no college credit awarded for the MA Apprentice program. The MA Apprentice Program falls under The Center for Workforce Development, which provides non-credit, short-term, entry-level positions into healthcare. However, the MA Apprentice will receive a certified credential upon successful completion of the program and a national apprenticeship certification under the Department of Labor (DOL) when they complete the required training.

Will I get to take time off during the 16 weeks of the program?

No, it is mandatory that you not miss class, because this is an accelerated program. If you miss, you will be behind in class and clinical work.

Will I be paid while in this program?

Yes. Not only is this a program that CoxHealth will pay for your tuition and supplies, but this is also a benefits-eligible, paid position with CoxHealth.

Is it a kind of system that doesn't actually take money out of my paycheck but I am "earning" that money paid off by working?

Correct, we aren't taking the money out of your paycheck, but instead are tracking it as you are working off that "debt" via work commitment.

Will I be taxed on the incentive amount I'm "earning"?

Once the employee starts working in a Medical Assistant position, they will begin “earning” the educational incentive. Currently, our payroll department considers this supplemental income which is taxable according to the IRS. Therefore, for every hour worked the employee “earns” $1.20 of the tuition assistance which is then recorded on the paycheck. That amount is taxed and the paycheck is reduced accordingly. So for the MA program, most people will work 80 hours per pay period, and will “earn” $1.20 per hour in tuition incentive forgiveness (80 * $1.20 = $96.00). The total earned will be taxed at a supplemental rate of 20% which is required by the IRS ($96 * .20 = $19.20). So the paycheck will reflect an extra $19.20 withheld in taxes.

Once I fulfill the 2 year work commitment, will I be able to work somewhere other than CoxHealth?

Once you have completed the hours required in your Work Commitment Agreement you have fulfilled your work commitment with CoxHealth.

Displaced due to COVID, will I have to re-pay my balance?

With COVID being such a dynamic situation, it is hard to predict what things look like day-to-day, week-to-week. CoxHealth remains committed to making sure our displaced and low census employees have opportunities to continue working and accruing worked hours.

New-to-CoxHealth employees

Will I be eligible for benefits as an MA apprentice?

Yes, as a full-time employee of the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program, you are eligible for all benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, most of which require a premium payment by the employee. Benefits go into effect on the first of the next month following your hire date. A Benefits Coordinator will reach out to you within 30 days of hire to review benefit options with you and help you get signed up.

Will I get any time off? What if I need to take time off during my apprenticeship?

Eligible MA Apprentices accrue standard Paid Time Off (PTO) hours with each pay period. Although you will accrue PTO throughout your apprenticeship, it is highly encouraged that you do not miss or take off any days. It is crucial that you attend every day of class throughout the 16-week program. After graduation, upon hire as a permanent employee, you will be able to utilize accrued PTO consistent with HR and CMG guidelines.

Should CMG close your clinic in recognition of an official holiday during your time as an apprentice, an exception to this PTO policy will be granted. For instance, if your clinic closes in recognition of Memorial Day, available PTO time will be used up to eight (8) hours for the holiday period.

How will I be paid as an apprentice?

Specific rates of pay are typically addressed by your Recruiter through the offer process. Should you have questions about what to expect, please reach out to Jessica Durbin at 417-824-0741, or by email at jessica.durbin@coxhealth.com.

Employees transferring positions within Coxhealth

Will my benefits change when I become an apprentice?

If you are an existing employee in a position that works at least 72 hours per pay period (.9 FTE) or more, your benefits will not be affected by this change. If you are an employee with less than a .9 FTE, a Benefits Coordinator will reach out to discuss opportunities to transfer to full-time benefit options.

What if I need to take time off as an apprentice? Will I lose my PTO when I transfer?

The hours you have accrued prior to becoming an Apprentice will not change when you become an Apprentice. During your apprenticeship, you will continue to accrue ETO hours. However, during the 16 week OTC MA program, you are highly encouraged to not miss or take off any days. It is crucial that you attend every day of class throughout the 16-week program. After graduation, upon hire as a permanent employee, you will be able to utilize accrued ETO consistent with HR and CMG guidelines.

Should CMG close your clinic in recognition of an official holiday during your time as an apprentice, an exception to this ETO policy will be granted. For instance, if your clinic closes in recognition of Memorial Day, available ETO time will be used up to eight (8) hours for the holiday period.

How might my pay change when I become an apprentice?

As a current CoxHealth employee, your pay will remain whole (e.g., your pay will not be reduced) when transferring into the CMG MA Apprenticeship program. Said a different way, your rate of pay will remain the same while you are an Apprentice. If you have any questions about what you can expect, please reach out to Jessica Durbin at 417-824-0741, or by email jessica.durbin@coxhealth.com.