LANSING, MI – The deadline is approaching to apply for the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow’s no-cost medical assistant apprenticeship program.
The program is designed to address the critical need for medical assistants by creating a paid pathway to a full-time role for individuals who may lack the time or resources for traditional education. UM Health-Sparrow covers all tuition, books and wages.
Launched in 2018, the program combines virtual classroom instruction through Lansing Community College (LCC) with hands-on skills training. The first apprentices completed the program in 2019, and the most recent cohort of 13 graduated in July 2025. UM Health-Sparrow, which will host its eighth cohort in 2026, provides clinical experience that prepares participants for a career upon completion.
“The MA apprenticeship program was a perfect way for me to gain clinical experience for medical school,” said former apprentice team member Mikayla Widener. “It helped me become comfortable interacting with patients and gave me an invaluable base knowledge of common medications, procedures, and practices done in a medical office.”
“This helps build a pipeline of skilled medical professionals and provides life-changing career opportunities,” said Kathy Marble, chief nursing officer at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing.
The next class begins Jan. 12, 2026. Interested applicants must apply online through the UM Health-Sparrow careers portal at careers.uofmhealthsparrow.org/, using Requisition 50543, by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. After applying, candidates will receive information about the interview process and instructions for completing a test through LCC.
