Medical Assistants Week 2024: Training Fund benefits for Service members

Happy Medical Assistants Week!

Medical Assistants Recognition Week, October 21-25, celebrates Medical Assistants (MAs) and the important work that they do in healthcare settings.

We have several programs, opportunities, and support services to help MAs (as Service Bargaining Unit members) achieve their education and career goals.

Benefits for Training Fund Service Members

Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance (TA) can cover school-related costs like tuition, books, and other fees for approved programs. After 1 year with your employer, Service bargaining unit members can apply for Tuition Assistance.

Increase in Tuition Assistance for Service members!

Eligible Service members can now apply for up to $5,250 in Tuition Assistance. The previous annual maximum cap for Service members was $3,500.

This is a limited-time opportunity that is only available on a first-come-first-served basis, or while available grant funds remains.

Learn More

Blue background with quote and photo of Theresa Rosenfeld "The additional Service member Tuition Assistance funding made it possible for me to accept my spot in the LPN program. It was what I needed to cover required books and nursing specific supplies. If I did not have this additional funding, I might have had to take a year off of school, instead of taking this step in my education"- Theresa Rosenfeld, Medical Assistant, Kaiser Permanente, Member Since 2021.

Professional Development

Service members can access to up to $300/year in Professional Development reimbursement for:

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) conference registration, courses, and required materials
Professional Memberships
National Certifications exams or courses/review materials that prepare members for those exams

You can also use your Professional Development funds to cover the cost of BLS/CPR/ACLS/PALS Certification through LifeTek. Training Fund members receive a discount! Learn More

You also have free access to unlimited CEU courses through HealthStream.

English Tutoring

Improve your listening, speaking, reading, and writing with the Training Fund’s SMRT English program that has English Language courses specifically designed for healthcare professionals.

This easy-to-use, fun, online English learning includes a personal English Tutor, healthcare-specific English lessons, support for every level of English, and training on using computers and the internet safely. SMRT English tutoring is free for Training Fund members.

Connect with your Training Fund Navigator to discuss your tutoring needs before requesting a tutor.

Questions? Email or call us at (425) 255-0315.

Laptop & Hotspot Lending

Laptop Lending

We partner with Eduscape to provide laptops – free of charge – to Training Fund members who are currently enrolled in Training Fund programs. This short-term laptop loan can help you achieve your education goals. Loans generally cannot exceed 90 days, and our staff can work with you to overcome barriers and get your own permanent device.

Mobile Hotspot Lending

The Training Fund provides mobile hotspots – free of charge – for eligible members who have limited Internet connectivity and are participating in approved Training Fund programs. These hotspots are provided by our partner, Eduscape.

Get connected to these lending programs and explore other supportive services.