Earn to Learn Opportunities at MaineGeneral

MaineGeneral has a number of Earn to Learn opportunities, where you get trained for great careers and get paid while you learn and train.

Hear how Bethany found that Earn to Learn sets you up for success:

Learn more about four of these programs below.

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training Program

Get paid while you earn your CNA certificate and work as a CNA Trainee through MaineGeneral's CNA Training Program.

  • Hands-On Clinical Experience: As a CNA Trainee for 24-40 hours per week at MaineGeneral Medical Center or MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care
  • In-Depth Training: - 9-week course: 8 hours a week in the classroom and 12 hours a week completing a clinical/lab component
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Exam: When you successfully complete the course and pass the state exam, you will be registered as a CNA with the State of Maine and receive a raise.

Earn $17.50 per hour during training, and get an increase in pay on completion of the requirements.

Apply for CNA Earn to Learn below. 

CNA Earn to Learn at Long-Term Care

Medical Assistant (MA) Training Program

MaineGeneral’s Earn to Learn program for Medical Assistants (MAs) gives you:

  • In-Depth Classroom Training: Benefit from approximately 200 hours of comprehensive classroom and skills training, ensuring a strong theoretical foundation for your role as a Medical Assistant Trainee.
  • Hands-On Clinical Experience: Gain valuable practical skills through 275 hours of hands-on clinical experience in a real medical practice setting, preparing you for the dynamic challenges of healthcare.
  • Homework: This condensed, fast-paced program requires daily dedication to studies estimated to be 2 hours a night.
  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam: Upon successful completion of the program, you'll have the opportunity to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the National HealthCare Association (NHA), validating your knowledge base.
  • Paid Training: Receive compensation for your commitment, with 40 hours a week paid for a balanced schedule consisting of 2 classroom days and 3 clinical days each week.
  • Tuition Coverage: MaineGeneral generously covers the full tuition cost, including books and supplies, eliminating any enrollment fees and making this educational opportunity accessible to aspiring Medical Assistants.
  • Career Path: Upon completing the program, you'll have the opportunity to secure a Certified Medical Assistant position at MGH with the expectation of working as a CMA at MaineGeneral for one year after graduation, laying the foundation for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.

Earn $17.50 per hour during training, and $19.50 per hour once certified.

MA Earn to Learn classes are currently pending. For information on future classes please email greg.zimba@mainegeneral.org.

Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA) Training Program

  • Course Duration and Structure: Comprehensive 40-hour course, typically spread over a 2 to 3 week period to ensure thorough preparation and understanding of responsibilities.
  • Certification and Skills: Upon completion, participants become Certified Residential Medication Aides, equipped with the knowledge required to read and follow physician orders. They are trained to administer medications, including narcotics and insulin, to residents at the residential care level.
  • Practical Experience: During the course, students hold a title of student and work in an assistant/helper role when not attending classes, providing practical experience in a real-world setting.

Employment Opportunities: Certified CRMA professionals are eligible to pass medications only at the assisted/residential care level. At MaineGeneral, this includes locations such as Gray Birch Residential Care Community, the Inn at City Hall, and the Alzheimer’s Care Center. There are also opportunities in various residential homes within MaineGeneral, including Women’s Residential, and occasionally, students may join the Long-Term Care (LTC) course from these behavioral health departments as well.

CRMA Earn to Learn classes are currently pending. For information on future classes please email greg.zimba@mainegeneral.org.

Laboratory Training Program

This unique opportunity provides you with knowledge and hands-on experience through a combination of on-the-job training, classroom sessions, lab work, and clinical training. It's a fast-paced program that will require dedication on-site and homework.

The program includes:

  • A minimum of 100 hours of classroom instruction.
  • 100 hours of valuable clinical experience in a real clinical setting.
  • Eligibility to take the PBT Certification offered by the ASCP upon program completion.

Classroom instruction hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Progress will be assessed by the clinical instructor, and students will be classified as "Successful" or "Unsuccessful." Those deemed unsuccessful will not proceed to clinical training and will exit the program.

Clinical Training: The second part of the program involves clinical training, with variable hours that may include days, evenings, and weekends. Due to the program's intensity, consistent attendance is crucial.

What Does a Lab Assistant Do?

  • Performs venipuncture and dermal punctures on patients of all age groups.
  • Adheres to procedures and policies for collecting, handling, processing, and disposing of biohazard specimens.
  • Collects, receives, and processes various clinical specimens, including blood, urine, stool, and other body fluids.
  • Orders, receives, accessions, and tracks specimens in the department's information system.
  • Prepares specimens for testing or shipment to internal or external laboratories.
  • Performs clerical duties, including maintaining supplies and equipment.

Check back for the next Laboratory Earn to Learn class or email us today at recruitment@mainegeneral.org to learn more.