What are Healthcare Apprenticeships?

About Apprenticeships:

A healthcare apprenticeship program trains skilled workers by pairing classroom (didactic) instruction with tailored on-the-job training. Apprenticeship programs require an apprentice to complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training while taking related coursework, and demonstrating industry-recognized competencies. The Apprentice is paid a wage while completing the apprenticeship program and at the end of the program earns a certificate/certification. 

Apprenticeship Benefits:

• Apprenticeship programs increase the retention of employees. 94% of apprentices are still employed 6 months after completing the apprenticeship program.
• For every dollar spent on an apprenticeship program, there is a $1.50 return.
• Employers reduce costs when training an employee because they can utilize a wage scale based on mastery of competencies
• Employers get to train the apprentice (employee) to meet the needs of their facility
• Employers hire the apprentice so they have an employee from day one instead of waiting until after someone completes the training to hire them
• Apprentices receive targeted supervision and mentorship throughout the course of the apprenticeship so they feel more confident in their skill set and ability to practice in their field
• Apprentices earn an industry-recognized certificate and/or certification at the end of the program
• Some apprenticeship programs include college coursework so apprentices can earn a college degree at a reduced cost
• Apprenticeship programs diversify the workforce and are an effective recruitment tool

OHRP Apprenticeship Programs

The apprenticeship programs offered by the OHRP will focus on entry-level, high-demand healthcare professions that are capable of being stacked into more advanced healthcare career pathways. The OHRP will either develop the didactic training portion of the apprenticeship or partner with a training provider, such as Missoula College or UM-Bitterroot. The didactic training will use an accelerated training model and be offered online or using a distance education model. We will use an iterative process for designing and implementing apprenticeship programs to ensure we are meeting our healthcare partners' workforce needs. In addition, to providing the didactic training for healthcare apprenticeships we will provide technical assistance to our healthcare partners participating in the program.

OHRP Role/Responsibilities:

• Register apprenticeship program with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry
• Develop a trade schedule for each program
• Manage all paperwork and data collection requirements for each registered apprenticeship program
• Provide technical assistance to each employment site
• Provide/facilitate didactic training for apprentices
• Provide apprentice supervisor training

Apprenticeship Employment Site Role/Responsibilities:

• Post apprenticeship position, interview/hire apprentice, provide employment to apprentice
• Coordinate with OHRP on necessary paperwork and data collection
• Provide supervision to apprentice
• Support apprentice with completing required didactic training
• Provide on-the-job training that meets trade schedule standards

Programs:

Medical Assisting

360 hours of online instruction offered through Missoula College that culminates in the apprentice earning 24 college credits and 4 industry-recognized certifications. The didactic training takes about 8 months to complete along with the 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. The approximate cost for the training is $3,800. Students may qualify for funding through Alluvion Health Center to offset the costs of completing this apprenticeship.

Integrated Behavioral Health Care Manager

145 hours of online instruction prepares trainees to serve as the behavioral health care manager in a primary care integrated behavioral health program. In conjunction, with the 145 hours of didactic instruction trainees will complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training in a primary care setting. The cost of this training is $500. It is suggested participants have a background in human services and/or behavioral health. 

Licensed Practical Nurse

630 hours of remote instruction provided through UM-Bitterroot prepares trainees to serve as LPNs in a variety of healthcare settings. In conjunction, with the 630 hours of didactic instruction trainees will complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training in a primary care setting. This training is for credit so students will be required to pay the cost of tuition for the program, which is 40 credits. Students may qualify for funding through Alluvion Health Center to offset the costs of completing this apprenticeship.

LPN-to-RN 

The LPN to RN apprenticeship program at the University of Montana-Missoula College is designed to provide licensed practical nurses (LPNs) with a comprehensive pathway to advance their careers and become registered nurses (RNs). This program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical training, equipping participants with the skills and expertise needed to excel in the healthcare industry. Through a combination of online instruction and hands-on experience in clinical settings, apprentices gain a deep understanding of nursing principles, patient care techniques, and healthcare management. With a focus on mentorship and professional development, the program fosters growth and prepares individuals to deliver high-quality care in diverse healthcare environments. Students may qualify for funding through the UM-OHRP and Alluvion Health Center to offset the costs of completing this apprenticeship.

Pharmacy Technician 

The pharmacy technician apprenticeship program at the University of Montana offers a dynamic opportunity for individuals aspiring to enter the pharmaceutical field and pursue a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician. Through a structured curriculum combining 400 hours of online instruction and practical experience, apprentices gain essential knowledge and skills in medication dispensing, inventory management, customer service, and pharmaceutical regulations. Under the guidance of experienced pharmacists and technicians, apprentices have the chance to apply their learning in real-world pharmacy settings, honing their abilities and building confidence in their roles. The cost of this training is approximately $3,300.

Surgical Technologist

975 hours of online/remote instruction offered through Missoula College that culminates in the apprentice earning an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology. The didactic training takes 5 semesters to complete along with the 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. Students must apply and be accepted into the Missoula College Surgical Technology program before completing the apprenticeship program.

Community Health Worker

Online instruction provided by the UM Center for Children, Families, and Workforce Development prepares trainees to work as a community health workers in many different healthcare, public health, and community-based settings. Trainees will need to complete 144 hours of classroom-related instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. The cost of this training is $1,850 (grant funding is available to offset training costs) and a stipend may be available for training participants. 

Employers interested in participating as an employment site for one or more of these apprenticeship programs can contact Lily Apedaile