Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program

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 2.5-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 ($5,250) and the sign-on bonus ($1,000)

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.

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, 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.

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.

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

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.

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 day of the month following 30 days of employment. So, if your hire date is Feb. 15th and you elect health insurance, your first day of coverage will be April 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 Earned Time Off (ETO) hours with each pay period. Although you will accrue ETO throughout your apprenticeship, you cannot use ETO during the OTC MA program. 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.

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.

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 ETO hours. However, during the 16-week OTC MA program, you will not be able to utilize ETO. 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.

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.