Anyone who has visited a doctor’s office or hospital in recent years has likely interacted with a medical assistant.

Medical assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in Idaho. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects medical assistant jobs in the state will increase by 24 percent by 2026. A growing elderly population nationwide is helping drive this job expansion. In Kootenai County alone, the number of residents age 65 and older is expected to increase by 24,000 by 2026.

At the same time, there are too few medical assistants available to fill existing job openings.

North Idaho College’s Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program was created last year in an effort to address workforce shortages in the health care sector.

“Nationally, there is a shortage of medical assistants,” said Colleen Krajack, VP of Human Resources at Heritage Health. “This apprenticeship program is excellent because it allows employers to develop and reward talent internally.”

The program — the first of its kind in North Idaho — graduated its first cohort of nine students earlier this year.

“The apprenticeship model allows students to earn and learn,” said Dotty Heberer, NIC Health Professions coordinator.

Medical assistants perform routine and clinical tasks that help keep medical offices and clinics running smoothly. They work under the direct supervision of a physician or other designated health care professional performing routine administrative duties and patient care tasks.

Deb Hackworthy, Kootenai Clinic cancer services supervisor, said one of their employees recently transitioned from being a certified nurse assistant to a certified medical assistant through the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program.

“While we value and utilize CNAs, Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services also recognizes that a Medical Assistant provides a wider scope to assist our nurses, providers and most importantly our patients,” Hackworthy said.

Kelly Wolfinger, talent acquisition partner for Kootenai Health, said the health system’s teams rely heavily on medical assistants’ expertise to assist with procedures, to gather critical information and provide patient care.

“As health care needs continue to expand, we are excited about the opportunity to utilize the MA apprenticeship to invest in those looking to grow their careers in the health care industry,” Wolfinger said.

Students apprentice with the leading health care providers in the region: Bonner General Health, Heritage Health, Kaniksu Health, Kootenai Health, Marimn Health, Northwest Specialty Hospital, St. Joseph’s Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy Clinic, and Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine.

“The students in the apprenticeship program receive competency-based formal training that connects patient care skills at an accelerated rate working as an apprentice. As the student progresses in their technical training, they possess the competency to provide more patient care services.” Heberer said. “They are able to achieve their national certification in eight and a half months.”

For more information, visit www.nic.edu.