Healthcare Assistant

INCAP Healthcare Assistant apprentices earn a $750 monthly training stipend during 10th grade. Depending on the employer, this stipend may be paid once per month or divided into two payments to align with the organization's regular payroll schedule. 

Starting the summer after 10th grade, Healthcare Assistant apprentices begin earning an hourly wage – typically around $15 per hour, depending on the employer. Because Healthcare Assistant apprentices are employees, they fall under their employers' policies for benefits, performance reviews, and pay increases over time.

Students begin exploring healthcare careers as early as 8th and 9th grade through career exploration activities and planning with their school counselor. 

The INCAP Healthcare Assistant apprenticeship officially begins in 10th grade, with onboarding starting the summer before 10th grade. The Healthcare Assistant apprenticeship lasts three years and continues year-round, including summers.  

An INCAP Healthcare Assistant apprentice follows a weekly schedule that changes over time as apprentices gain experience: 

• Summer before 10th grade: New hire orientation in July 

• 10th grade: Five half-days per week at an off-site training center, with the other five half-days in school 

• Summer after 10th grade: At least three full days per week working with an employer 

• 11th grade: Three full days per week at an employer site and/or training center, plus two days at school 

• Summer after 11th grade: At least three full days per week working with an employer 

• 12th grade: Three full days per week at an employer site and/or training center, plus two days at school 

• Summer after 12th grade: At least three full days per week working with an employer 

When Healthcare Assistant apprentices are working on-site, they can expect six- to eight-hour shifts, with schedules set in coordination with their employer. Students and employers work together to identify schedules that meet both parties' needs, allowing students to potentially continue participating in extracurricular activities, including those that take place during the summer.

INCAP Healthcare Assistant apprentices work in real healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and other patient care facilities. The environment is often fast-paced and team-based, where INCAP Healthcare Assistant apprentices work alongside nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

INCAP Healthcare Assistant apprentices spend much of their time on their feet, moving between patients and tasks, and should be comfortable working in settings that require attention to detail, safety protocols, and compassionate patient interactions.