From Classroom to Practice: MaineHealth Memorial Hospital Program Offers Students First Job on First Day

Evelyn Hayes Evelyn Hayes (above) and Bill Smith are among six students completing MaineHealth Memorial Hospital's medical assistant apprenticeship program and graduating May 15 from White Mountains Community College.

NORTH CONWAY, NH - For two students in MaineHealth Memorial Hospital's medical assistant (MA) apprenticeship program, the path to a health care career has been anything but typical.

Evelyn Hayes and William Smith are among six apprentices in this year's cohort at MaineHealth Memorial Hospital, part of a partnership with White Mountains Community College that allows some students studying in their MA program to earn a paycheck and have their tuition fully covered while training. In return, these students commit to working within the MaineHealth system for at least two years, stepping directly into medical assistant roles after program completion.

While some students over the years have been recent high school graduates, others are pursuing long-awaited career changes. There is no typical student in the program.

Hayes spent years working, most recently at the local Dunkins' stores and once hoped to become a veterinarian before life took her in a different direction. With three grown children and a grandchild, she decided last year it was time to return to school. "I was shocked when I got in," she said. "I wish I had done this sooner."

After graduating, Hayes will join MaineHealth Memorial Hospital's primary care team.

Smith, a Kennett High School and University of Maine (Orono) graduate, came to the program after working locally in hospitality and at Mountain Center Physical Therapy. He said the ability to earn income while attending school made the opportunity possible. "It's a great pathway for a lot of people," he said.

He plans to continue his education in nursing; for now, he will join MaineHealth Memorial Hospital's orthopedics team.

The MaineHealth Memorial Hospital MA cohort included (l-r) Rachael Kidney, Leanne Robitaille, Brittany Sanborn, Evelyn Hayes, Arleigh Day, and Bill Smith.

MaineHealth Memorial Hospital's portion of the program is overseen by Marta Ramsey, RN, who has helped lead the effort since its launch six years ago. She describes it as both a workforce solution and a career development pathway, designed to expand access to health care training while strengthening staffing across the hospital.

During the nine-month program, students split their time between classes and labs at White Mountains Community College and clinical shifts at MaineHealth Memorial Hospital, rotating through departments to build skills and experience in a range of care settings.

"We're building our team while creating opportunities for people who might not otherwise be able to pursue this education," Ramsey said.

Medical assistants play a key role in patient care, supporting providers and nurses with both clinical and administrative tasks-from rooming patients and recording vital signs to assisting with procedures and performing point-of-care testing. Apprentices also participate in MaineHealth Memorial Hospital's community vaccination clinics.

Hayes and Smith and their classmates graduate May 15, bringing the MaineHealth Memorial Hospital medical assistant apprenticeship alumni group to 26 members, 22 of whom continue to serve in practices at MaineHealth Memorial Hospital and throughout the MaineHealth system.

You will find program alumni in a wide range of MaineHealth practices, including primary care, orthopedics, obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, behavioral health, podiatry, oncology and cardiology. Some graduates have also gone on to become registered nurses or pursue additional certifications.

A new cohort is forming for the fall semester. Applicants may apply through the MaineHealth careers website and at White Mountains Community College.

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About MaineHealth Memorial Hospital
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital serving the Mount Washington Valley of northern New Hampshire and western Maine. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital has earned a reputation among local residents and visitors for providing quality, compassionate and personalized care to its patients.

MaineHealth Memorial Hospital includes a robust array of health care services including primary and specialty care services and therapies, emergency care, a birthing center and surgical services. Its care team of 525 includes physicians and advance practice providers who are among the more than 2,000 providers who are part of the MaineHealth Medical Group. Memorial patients have access to onsite care in oncology, cardiology, vascular and pulmonary medicine. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital also partners with several local organizations to provide outreach and educational services supporting the health of our patients and community.

MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system whose vision is, "Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America." As part of the MaineHealth family, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is able to offer patients a comprehensive network of care that includes world-class specialists, a Level 1 Trauma medical center, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services.