WORCESTER, MA – April 27, 2026 – Quinsigamond Community College is developing apprenticeship degrees that combine paid work experience with academic credentials in multiple industries. This includes the first practical nursing apprenticeship degree program in Massachusetts, which launched earlier this year. QCC also offers a medical assistant apprenticeship degree and will expand its offerings this fall to include cybersecurity and early childhood education.
"Apprenticeship degrees bridge the gap between education and real-world expertise. They empower individuals to build skills with purpose, strengthen local industries and create a workforce that is prepared, adaptable and essential to a thriving society, " said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja.
QCC offers registered apprenticeship models that similarly follow a learn-and-earn model, but some positions, such as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), still require a degree. QCC's apprentice degree programs satisfy this need and provide pathways for both incumbent workers and new hires. Classroom instruction through QCC is followed by implementing skills in the workplace under the supervision of a journey coach, an experienced professional at the apprentice’s current employer.
For students like Lina Un, who has been a medical assistant with Reliant Medical Group, the LPN apprenticeship degree is a way to learn in her existing work environment and advance to her dream job, while continuing to raise three children. Un described healthcare as her calling to give back, after witnessing the compassion of nurses and doctors during her mother’s long battle with cancer.
“We all want to become more, but you can’t stop working, especially with a family to support,” Un said. “This is a great program for anyone to be able to continue working and learning.”
Margaret St. John currently works as a certified nursing assistant for Reliant Medical Group and eagerly accepted the opportunity to join QCC’s medical assistant apprenticeship degree program when she heard about it through her supervisor.
“It’s life-changing. The fact that this company is willing to invest in its employees means the world to me and makes me feel appreciated and committed,” St. John said.
St. John’s attitude aligns with current data from the U.S. Department of Labor, indicating that 90% of registered apprenticeship participants retain employment after program completion.
Employer SALMON Health and Retirement partnered with QCC’s apprenticeship degree program to develop its staff and address the need for nurses in Massachusetts.
“It’s a win-win for the company. We’re getting vetted staff who we know are great employees, and they are provided continued education in their field. We want our staff to look at this as more than a job, but a career with a lot of opportunity and growth,” said SALMON’s Chief People Officer Scott Laakso, adding, “QCC has always been easy to work with and willing to listen to our needs.”