Education

Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program

Earn while you learn: Full-time paid training, free tuition, and a fast track to a medical career with CoxHealth.

Program Overview

Cox Medical Group and the Ozark Technical Community College have teamed to offer a 16-week Medical Assistant Apprentice Program. During the program, students spend half of their time in the classroom and the other half gaining real-life experience in clinical rotations at CoxHealth.

CoxHealth covers tuition costs, as well as full-time, paid work hours with an agreed work commitment for approximately 2.5 years. Upon graduation, all students have the opportunity to apply for a full-time Certified Medical Assistant role with Cox Medical Group.

Applications Now Open

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

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.

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.

Tuition/supplies cost

If you don’t fulfill the work commitment to “work off” the debt, 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.

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.

No. You are expected to attend all classes and clinical experiences during the 16-week MA program. No Earned Time Off (ETO), excused absences, or requests for exception will be granted. All of the course and clinical learning experiences are critical to your preparation as a Certified Medical Assistant. Upon hire as a CMA, you will be able to utilize ETO consistent with HR and departmental guidelines.

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.

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.

The first $5,250 of educational incentives you receive from Cox Health will NOT be subject to income taxes! NO TAX means more money for your education. Taking courses in a different sequence or taking more credit hours than what is recommended in this FAQ may result in taxation of any amounts over the $5,250 threshold

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

New-to-CoxHealth employees

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 the first of the next month following your hire date. So, if your hire date is February 15 and you elect health insurance, your first day of coverage will be March 1. 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.

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.

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 the Recruitment team at HR-Recruitment@coxhealth.com.

Employees transferring positions within Coxhealth

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.

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 PTO 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 PTO consistent with HR and CMG guidelines.

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 HR-Recruitment@coxhealth.com.