b'NURSING HIGHLIGHTS 2022MEDICAL ASSISTANT APPRENTICESHIPJennifer LeonardRN, MSN I CLINICAL PROCESS AND EDUCATION MANAGER - CONCORD HOSPITAL MEDICAL GROUP39 Apprenticeswith aretention rate of 70%To help strengthen our medical assistant workforce, Concord Hospital Medical Group (CHMG) embarked in an apprenticeship program in collaboration with ApprenticeshipNH and the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH).Over the past two years, this partnership expanded from New Hampshire TechnicalInstitute (NHTI) and now includes Lakes Region Community College (LRCC). The program prepares students to become Clinical Certified Medical Assistants aftercompleting the required course work and apprenticeship hours.CHMG had their inaugural class launch the program in May 2021 with nine apprentices. The full program includes didactic studies, clinical lab training and a practicum at one of the CHMG practices located in Concord, Laconia or Franklin.The apprentices start the program by attending 12 weeks of related instruction in the classrooms of NHTI or LRCC. After the 12 weeks, with the help of their in-practice mentor, the apprentice begins to work in one of the practices, eventually gainingmore independence and becoming a member of the clinical team. This training Jennifer Leonard, RN, MSNallows the medical assistant students to become skilled in preparing patientsfor provider exams, treatments, conducting routine laboratory testing and much more. The apprentices are additionally required to complete 3,600 hours of on the job training.Since the initial class, we have had two additional very successful apprenticeship cohorts. The second class began in February 2022 with13 apprentices, and the third class with 17 apprentices completed their practicum and started in the practices in November 2022. Currently we have had in total 39 apprentices, with a retention rate of 70 percent. This high rate of retention can be attributed to the practice environment and the great support by our medical assistant mentors. We currently have another group of apprentices attending class at LRCC, with their transition to practice happening this spring.Medical assistants play a vital role in the team caring for patients in the ambulatory practice setting. Having highly skilled medical assistants in our organization allows us to provide excellent care to the patients and families in our communities. Medical assistants are a valued member of our healthcare team, and through collaboration and partnership with local colleges, the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship has helped to recruit talented medical assistants into our medical group and grow the profession. programs to provide our community and employees with new opportunities is the mostrewarding part of my role.These educational programs are crucial to providing alternative pathways to those that are looking to further their knowledge or move into a career within health care. Being able to developLauren Rousseau 15'