Brittany Johns was already building a career at Integris Health when she discovered a way to move from behind the desk to the center of patient care.
Johns, 28, of Yukon, was working a steady patient service representative job that kept her at arm’s length from the hands-on career that was beckoning. Then she heard about a program that could change that without forcing her to start over.
She enrolled in a registered apprenticeship through Canadian Valley Technology Center. The partnership allowed her to attend Medical Assistant classes three days a week while still working at Integris the other two. Better yet, she kept her regular pay while she trained.
Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and validated by the U.S. Department of Labor. Johns completed CV Tech’s program last May and, almost immediately, her role expanded. With a new credential came more responsibility and a better paycheck.
The median salary for Registered Medical Assistants tops $21 an hour (or about $44,000 annually), according to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field is also one of the fastest-growing in the nation, projected to expand by 12 percent each year through 2034.
At the Surrey Hills clinic where she now works, Johns said no two days look alike.
“The morning consists of getting vitals, giving vaccines and doing point-of care testing,” she said. “Other duties include medication refills, sending and checking on referrals and responding to patient messages.”
It’s a pace Johns enjoys. One that is full of motion, variety and human connection.
“I love getting to know the patients, learning about them and their families,” she said. “And helping them through tough times. It has been a great experience, and I am happy with where I am.”
Her story mirrors a growing trend. Apprenticeships were once associated mainly with skilled trades but have expanded into healthcare, information technology and other high-demand industries. The model pairs classroom instruction with paid, real-world experience, giving workers the confidence and credentials to advance without taking on debt or leaving the workforce.
Johns’ former Medical Assistant instructor, Crystal Reynolds, said Johns was driven by an ambition to advance.
“She demonstrates dependability, honesty and a dedication to hard work every day,” Reynolds said. “We are proud to support her journey, her talent and her commitment promise a bright future in healthcare for both Integris and our community.”
CV Tech will soon begin another cohort of apprentices with Integris. Apprenticeships are also available to students who enroll in the school’s Vision Care Technician program. CV Tech Apprenticeship Coordinator, Dr. Don Wilson, is seeking additional companies to engage in apprenticeships from automotive repair to welding.
