What is an Apprenticeship? How to “Earn and Learn” in Apprenticeship Programs in Maryland?

Q&A with Maryland Apprenticeship Connector

In collaboration with the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC), we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) from Nov. 17-23, 2024 to highlight the existing opportunities that apprenticeship programs offer.

In this special week, we sat down in an interview with Patricia and Yvette from MAC to give you an inside scoop of what are apprenticeship programs and how you can “earn and learn.”


Patricia Meyer: Hi, I’m Patricia.

Yvette Diamond: And I’m Yvette.

Patricia: We’re here to talk about apprenticeships in Maryland. Yvette, what’s an apprenticeship?

Yvette: Well, apprenticeships have been around for decades with proven success. In several industries, apprenticeships are an “earn and learn” model, which means an employee is learning on the job while earning a living for their productivity. Included in the apprenticeship is related instruction. So the employee takes classes to further their education, and it includes the on-the-job training where they they apply those lessons in a real-world environment.

Patricia: That sounds really interesting. So what are the benefits to the apprentice?

Yvette Diamond: So they get to start their career now, not after education.

Yvette: They can be compensated while contributing to the team, and they grow their professional network to continue uncovering opportunities for growth and development all while they’re being supported to bolster their success with the high cost of education.

Now is the time for a career-minded individual to lean into apprenticeship programming so they can start their careers, earn money, get an education, and receive the support available to help them succeed.

Patricia: That sounds like an incredible opportunity for the individual. But what are the benefits to the employer?

Yvette: Well, the employer gets training and education geared specifically to their needs and their stated requirements.

They’re involved in designing the apprenticeship. They get access to a larger, untapped talent pool of ready and able individuals oftentimes unable to overcome cost and schedule challenges of traditional education pathways. They also get immediate and long-term impact on talent shortages. When they layer these programs with existing workforce development and traditional practices. Also, they get a kind of buy one, get many with fully supported team members to help drive successful integration into the workforce.

So when you hire an apprentice, they come with a full support team that fax them at no extra cost to the employer. When a business has a supply shortage or a rise in the cost of their supplies, a lot of effort goes into identifying alternative methods. But for some reason, employers seem to think they can continue practices that they have been failing for decades when it comes to recruiting and developing their talent pipelines. Now is the time to invest in your workforce, so that you and your staff are prepared for our changing economy and developing technologies.

Patricia: So, what is it that Maryland hospitals and health systems offer within this apprenticeship landscape?

Yvette: Opportunities for apprenticeships in hospitals can be clinical or non-clinical. The apprenticeship that exists are going to be different at each hospital and depends on the hospital’s needs. But here are some examples of apprenticeships around Maryland. Some hospitals offer apprenticeships in building trade occupations like carpentry, HVAC technician, industrial maintenance electrician plumber, and stationary engineer. So you’re still in the hospital environment, but you’re doing building trade occupations. Others offer non-clinical apprenticeships, occupations that are not direct care roles, including environmental care, supervisor, and biomedical engineer.

And then, lastly, the clinical occupations include community health worker, licensed practical nurse, medical assistant, patient care tech, and surgical technician. These opportunities will vary location by location throughout the state. Take a look at the information at JoinMdHealth.org to learn more about which hospitals provide these opportunities.

Patricia: My last question for you today. What are the qualifications or skills needed to apply for healthcare apprenticeships?

Yvette: Like all jobs, the qualifications will vary, depending on the apprenticeship. Some hospitals offer apprenticeships to existing employees for upscaling opportunities, others partner with community colleges or local agencies to identify candidates for apprenticeship opportunities.

If you’re interested in finding out more about apprenticeship opportunities in your area or starting an apprenticeship. We recommend starting at macworkforce.org.

From there, you will be connected to your local support team, including workforce boards, Department of Labor, community college, your local school system, and so much more.


When is Apprenticeship Week 2024?

November 17-24, 2024

National Apprenticeship Day in 2025 – April 30, according to apprenticeships.gov.

Explore Career Opportunities in Maryland

Allegany County

UPMC Western Maryland

Cumberland

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Anne Arundel County

Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center

Annapolis

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University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center

Glen Burnie

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Baltimore City

Ascension Saint Agnes

Baltimore

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Grace Medical Center

Baltimore

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Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Baltimore

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Kennedy Krieger Institute

Baltimore

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MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

Baltimore

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MedStar Harbor Hospital

Baltimore

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MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

Baltimore

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Mercy Medical Center

Baltimore

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Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital

Baltimore

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Sinai Hospital of Baltimore

Baltimore

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The Johns Hopkins Hospital

Baltimore

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University of Maryland Medical Center

Baltimore

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University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus

Baltimore

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University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute

Baltimore

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Baltimore County

Greater Baltimore Medical Center

Towson

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MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

Baltimore

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Northwest Hospital

Randallstown

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Sheppard Pratt

Baltimore

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University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center

Towson

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Calvert County

CalvertHealth Medical Center

Prince Frederick

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Carroll County

Carroll Hospital

Westminster

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Cecil County

ChristianaCare, Union Hospital

Elkton

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Charles County

University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center

La Plata

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Frederick County

Frederick Health

Frederick

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Garrett County

Garrett Regional Medical Center

Oakland

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Harford County

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center

Bel Air

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Howard County

Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center

Columbia

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Kent County

University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown

Chestertown

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Montgomery County

Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center

Rockville

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Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center

Silver Spring

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Holy Cross Germantown Hospital

Germantown

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Holy Cross Hospital

Silver Spring

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MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

Olney

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NIH Clinical Center

Bethesda

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Surburban Hospital

Bethesda

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Prince George's County

Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center

Fort Washington

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Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center

Lanham

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MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

Clinton

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University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center

Largo

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University of Maryland Laurel Medical Center

Laurel

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Somerset County

TidalHealth McCready Pavilion

Crisfield

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St. Mary's County

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital

Leonardtown

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Talbot County

University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton

Easton

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Washington County

Brook Lane

Hagerstown

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Meritus Health

Hagerstown

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Washington, D.C.

Children’s National Hospital

Washington, D.C.

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Wicomico County

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Salisbury

Salisbury

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TidalHealth Peninsula Regional

Salisbury

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Worcester County

Atlantic General Hospital

Berlin

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Explore Education Opportunities in Maryland

Certificate Programs

Allegany College of Maryland

  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistant
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions
  • Dietitian Assistant
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide
  • Pharmacy Technician/Assistant
  • Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling

Anne Arundel Community College

  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistant
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Electrocardiograph Technology/Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
  • Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician/Assistant
  • Physician Assistant

Baltimore City Community College

  • Coding Specialist
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Carroll Community College

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Medical Biller
  • Medicine Aide
  • Health Science
  • Medical Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Registered Behavior Technician
  • Sterile Processing Technician

Cecil College

  • Health Navigator
  • Health Sciences
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Public Health for Healthcare Professionals

Chesapeake College

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

College of Southern Maryland

  • Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic
  • Health Sciences
  • Medical Coding Specialist
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Coding Specialist
  • Practical Nursing
  • Pharmacy Technician

Community College of Baltimore County

  • Emergency Medical Technology (EMT)
  • Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Medical Coding

Frederick Community College

  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist

Hagerstown Community College

  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Lower Division Certificate
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist

Harford Community College

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Health Information Technology
  • Histotechnology
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Nurse Refresher
  • Phlebotomy

Howard Community College

  • Biomedical Technology/Technician
  • Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training

Montgomery College-All Campuses

  • Behavioral Health
  • Emergency Preparedness Management
  • Fire Science and Emergency Services
  • Health Information Management
  • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • LPNs, Military Medics/Corpsmen, and Paramedics to Registered Nurse

Prince George’s Community College

  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant

Wor-Wic Community College

  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Radiologic Technology/Science – Radiographer
  • Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling

Two-Year Degrees

Allegany College of Maryland

  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Occupational Therapist Assistant
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician

Anne Arundel Community College

  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

Baltimore City Community College

  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist

Carroll Community College

  • Public Health Concentration
  • National Registry Paramedic
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology Transfer to PGCC (MEA)
  • Nursing, Registered Nurse
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapy Transfer to PGCC (MEA)

Cecil College

  • Health Sciences
  • Paramedic
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Public Health with Areas of Concentration
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

Chesapeake College

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Human Services/Behavioral Health
  • Nursing: Registered Nurse
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Radiologic Sciences
  • Surgical Technology

College of Southern Maryland

  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Environmental Science
  • Health Information Management
  • Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology (PGCC - MEA)
  • Nursing
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Pre-Professional Health Science
  • Radiography (PGCC or JHSM- MEA)
  • Respiratory Therapy (PGCC - MEA)

Community College of Baltimore County

  • Anesthesia Technology
  • Allied Health
  • Emergency Medical Technology
  • Histotechnology
  • Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
  • Medical Imaging/Radiology
  • Mortuary Science
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Care Therapy
  • Surgical Technology

Frederick Community College

  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

Hagerstown Community College

  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

Harford Community College

  • Certified Paramedic
  • Community Health Promotion
  • Environmental Science
  • Medical Assisting
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

Howard Community College

  • Biomedical Technology/Technician
  • Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (Military to RN Pathway)
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

Montgomery College-All Campuses

  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound Technician)
  • Emergency Preparedness Management
  • Health Enhancement, Exercise Science & Physical Education
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Public Health
  • Radiologic (X-Ray) Technology
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Surgical Technology

Prince George’s Community College

  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
  • Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

Wor-Wic Community College

  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist Assistant
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling

Four-Year Degrees

Bowie State University

  • 2 Degree Programs
  • 1 Bridge Program
  • 2 Certificate Programs

Coppin State University

  • 3 Degree Programs
  • 3 Bridge Programs
  • 1 Certificate Program

Frostburg State University

  • 2 Degree Programs
  • 1 Bridge Program
  • 4 Certificate Programs

Hood College

  • 2 Degree Programs

Johns Hopkins University

  • 2 Degree Programs
  • 4 Certificate Programs

McDaniel College

  • 2 Degree Programs

Morgan State University

  • 2 Degree Programs

Notre Dame of Maryland University

  • 2 Degree Programs
  • 2 Bridge Programs
  • 4 Certificate Programs

Salisbury University

  • 3 Degree Programs
  • 3 Bridge Programs
  • 1 Certificate Program

Stevenson University

  • 2 Degree Programs
  • 3 Bridge Programs
  • 2 Certificate Programs

The University of Baltimore

  • 2 Degree Programs

Towson University

  • 1 Program (Traditional BSN)
  • 1 Bridge Program

University of Maryland – Baltimore

  • 3 Degree Programs
  • 2 Bridge Programs
  • 6 Certificate Programs

Washington Adventist University

  • 2 Degree Programs
  • 2 Bridge Programs