Our members say it best!
Amanda’s Success Story
Amanda Chu, Medical Assistant at UW Medical Center Northwest Campus, completed the Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium’s Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program and is now using the Training Fund to continue her education.
“My dream forever has been to become an MA and then RN. I was always worried about costs and support and with the Training Fund, I have both”
Amanda (left, green pants) at her Issaquah Clinic apprenticeship training site.
Previously from Arizona, Amanda wanted to go to school to become a Medical Assistant but could not afford to lower her work hours to attend school full time. After she moved to Washington in 2022, she found the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program and knew it was the perfect fit:
“Getting into the apprenticeship was a dream come true, because I could learn but also still be able to pay my bills. I will forever be grateful for that”.
The earn-while-you-learn Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program allows learners to work full time, receive on-the-job training and skills from their assigned mentor, and classroom instruction – all while getting paid. We also provide wrap-around support services to help apprentices succeed and complete the program.
Now that Amanda has completed her apprenticeship and passed the Medical Assistant Certification Exam, Amanda has access to additional Training Fund member benefits that support her career and educational goals to become an RN:
“Over the years I’ve had different jobs in the healthcare field, but my heart has always come back to nursing. Being a medical assistant, I get to interact with many different patients daily and I make an impact on their lives, but I want to do more for them.
My mom, my husband Nick and my best friend Adrienne have all motivated me to be the best person I can be so that I can achieve my goals and dreams. They have always believed in me and told me not to give up and that I’m meant to do this.”
The Training Fund is a Labor-Management partnership between the SEIU Healthcare 1199NW union and several major healthcare providers. Since she works at one of these hospitals and is also an SEIU member, Amanda can apply for Tuition Assistance to cover school-related costs like tuition, books, and other fees for approved programs:
“Because of the Tuition Assistance and the increased Service member Tuition Assistance funding I am able to take the pre-req classes I need to be able to eventually apply for nursing school. With so many things going on in my life, it is very comforting to know that paying for my education isn’t a stress I have to worry about.”
Amanda Chu (center, pink hair) at her Clinic site in Kirkland
Juggling a full-time job, family, and other commitments can make it challenging to return to school. So, the Training Fund provides experienced navigators and additional support services to minimize barriers.
Amanda adds, “I am very thankful for the Training Fund and specifically my navigator, Dahabo – they are miracle workers!”