Post-Baccalaureate, Pre-Clinical Healthcare Gap Year Program in Maine

As the largest healthcare organization in Maine and a leading healthcare provider serving northern New England, MaineHealth is one of the nation’s top integrated healthcare delivery networks.

MaineHealth has career opportunities across Maine and New Hampshire that can provide you with the career-enhancing experiences you are looking for in a number of different settings.  From our critical access hospitals and rural clinics spread across northern New England, to our flagship tertiary care and teaching institution in Portland, you’ll find caring team members and a wealth of career experiences.

When you join any of the MaineHealth locations, you’ll be working with health care professionals that truly value the people around them – both within the walls of the organization and the neighborhoods that surround it. We are deeply invested in the well-being of our communities and care team members. We believe in fostering a work environment of strong commitment, compassionate caring and continuous improvement. MaineHealth also has several established pathways to help employees pursue healthcare-related graduate education. Join us, and your abilities will be challenged and enhanced as you take your skills to the next level.

We have several clinical and non-clinical roles available for your gap year timeframe that are looking for applicants like you including CNA, CNA Apprentice, Phlebotomist, Phlebotomy School Student, Perioperative Tech, Operating Room Assistant, Clinical Team Assistant, Emergency Department Assistant, Psych Tech, Companion, Patient Service Rep, Unit Secretary, Pharmacy Tech, Lab Tech, and more.

MaineHealth is a not-for-profit integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.”  MaineHealth consists of nine local health systems, a comprehensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and 1,700 employed clinicians working together through the MaineHealth Medical Group. With approximately 22,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. Learn more about our system and opportunities at careersatmainehealth.org.

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At Northern Light Health, we’re building a better approach to healthcare because we believe people deserve access to care that works for them. As an integrated health delivery system serving Maine, we’re raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. We offer care in both urban and rural settings with Community, Critical Access and Acute Care hospitals.  

Our more than 12,000 team members across 10 hospitals and other entities statewide are committed to making healthcare work for you: our patients, communities, and employees. Post-baccalaureate opportunities at Northern Light Health may include: CNA, Unit Secretary, Patient Service Rep, Sterile Supply Technician, Psych Techs, Mobility Tech, Patient Experience Aide, Resource Aide, Behavioral Health Home Coordinator, Cardiac Tech, Clinical Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Tech. 

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The Knox Clinic is a free-to-low-cost clinic serving the surrounding communities with medical, behavioral health, and dental services. The Clinic is staffed by a mixture of staff and volunteers that includes physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers. Founded 22 years ago, Knox Clinic is in a vigorous growth phase, making a transition to a new model of care. There is a myriad of opportunities available to be part of this exciting time, including as a scribe/medical assistant, dental assistant, and administrative assistant. There are other opportunities in strategic planning and grant writing. 

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Oasis Free Clinics is a non-profit, no-cost primary care medical practice and dental clinic, providing exceptional, patient-centered care to uninsured members of our community. Oasis was created over 25 years ago because there was a gap in the healthcare system – there was no place for those experiencing homelessness to receive free healthcare with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, there are still gaps in our healthcare system, especially for those who experience poverty, struggle with mental health and substance use issues, have limited literacy skills, and who bring complex lives into the exam room. 

We serve those who need something different from the traditional healthcare system and are facing health challenges that require more than the typical 15-minute visit. Opportunities available include medical assistant, case manager, and dental assistant. Opportunities to learn about public health and non-profit administration may be available for the right candidate. 

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Islands Community Health Center is a private, non-profit health center that provides quality, affordable healthcare services to people from the island communities of Matinicus, North Haven, and Vinalhaven. As a community-based clinic, we believe that excellent, accessible healthcare services should be available to everyone — regardless of their background or circumstances.

A Gap Year opportunity exists on the island of Vinalhaven, with the possibility of tailoring the role to meet the interests of the participant and the needs of the clinic.

Learn More about the clinic and Vinalhaven here.

St.Mary’s is an integrated medical system comprised of a 233-bed acute care community hospital, an employed group of primary care and specialty providers, urgent care and emergency department, an extensive complement of behavioral and mental health services and outpatient specialty practices. Our system also includes d’Youville Pavilion, a senior care community that offers a rehabilitation center, long-term skilled nursing care and memory care. We combine talented and compassionate caregivers with state-of-the-art medical technology to meet Androscoggin County’s health care needs.

Learn about St. Mary’s here.

HealthReach is a Federally Qualified Health Center with 12 locations, and our clinicians and care teams are dedicated to helping patients get better and stay healthy with high-quality healthcare close to home and at a reasonable cost. Health centers are located throughout Central and Western Maine. With multiple services under one roof — including general healthcare, behavioral health counseling, and, at select locations, dental services, food closets, and more.

Learn about HealthReach here.

Located just outside Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island Hospital serves a close-knit island and its surrounding communities through a 25-bed critical access facility in Bar Harbor and a network of area health centers—all designed to provide comprehensive healthcare for residents and visitors. Since it was established in 1897, our nonprofit hospital organization has grown into a state-of-the-art, rural healthcare organization with a retirement community and nine regional health centers, including a full-service behavioral health center and dental clinic.

Learn about Mount Desert Island Hospital here.

Housing is not provided, but you will receive a $500 stipend monthly to help cover your housing costs. It will ultimately be up to you to find your own housing, though we do have some connections to be able to assist you in finding housing.

You are not required to take any courses. However, we do share opportunities with participants who may be interested in taking courses through Northeastern University, or the other colleges/universities in Maine. This is elective for those who are interested in continuing their education while working. We will also have educational events during the year you are working in Maine.

Our inaugural 2023-24 cohort consisted of 20 participants.

Your schedule will be full time (40 hours/week) but your schedule will be determined by your employer and the type of position you have. For some, that may be day time hours, Monday through Friday, others may be much more variable (evenings, weekends, overnights). That is something you will negotiate with your employer, once you have been hired.

New, eligible roles are added on a rolling basis. If you’re interested in the program but don’t see a role you’re interested in, fill out the form below to connect with a member of the Roux team.