MA/DA Apprenticeship Program

The Iowa PCA is creating a Medical Assistant (MA) Apprenticeship Program and a Dental Assistant (DA) Apprenticeship Program in response to our community health centers’ greatest workforce needs. In 2021, MAs and DAs were identified as the top two areas for focus by the Readiness to Train Assessment Tool (RTAT). 

The Iowa PCA recently received a $50,000 grant from Telligen Community Initiative to support both a Dental and Medical Assistant program for Iowa’s community health centers.  The Iowa PCA will be implementing and evaluating online, on-demand MA and DA training programs developed by Washington Association for Community Health. The course is structured to be self-paced, and all topics are available to the trainee from the start via the LMS, Canvas. Additionally, our implementation goals include attracting and recruiting diverse, community-based, non-traditional students to become MAs and DAs through this cost-effective option for Iowa’s health centers. 

Program Information

  • Earn to learn 12+ month, full-time, paid employment apprenticeship program
  • $12/hr minimum starting salary with $14/hr minimum after completion of program
  • Online coursework paid for by employer
  • An opportunity to learn clinical skills and connect with your community while advancing your career

Additional information will be shared soon! Please contact Nicole Hudson and Liz Rosa for questions.