Build your healthcare career while expanding care access across the state of Maine
Fueled by an Industry Partnerships grant from the Maine Department of Labor, Northeastern’s Roux Institute and Bouvé College of Health Sciences have partnered with Maine’s premier healthcare systems and community health clinics to host a Post-Baccalaureate, Pre-Clinical Gap Year program. This innovative non-degree program allows aspiring healthcare professionals to gain valuable experience in providing direct patient care or essential behind-the-scenes services.
Complete an interest form today. We’re currently accepting interest forms for
- Opportunities at rural clinics in Maine (for 2023)
- Opportunities statewide across Maine (beginning in May 2024)
"The experience and insights gained through a pre-clinical gap-year can be invaluable for aspiring healthcare professionals. Maine's diverse healthcare landscape offers real and immediate opportunities for students to make an impact and bolster their credentials."”
Kathy Simmonds
Clinical Professor, School of Nursing
Connections to help you find your path forward
In addition to building your resumé and professional network with full-time work experience, participants in the Pre-Clinical Healthcare Gap Year program also gain access to valuable ancillary programming anchored at the Roux Institute. Participants can look forward to cross-disciplinary professional development seminars, networking sessions with Roux’s Maine-based industry partners, and invitations to social experiences that tap into Maine’s outdoor lifestyle and coastal beauty.
Participants in the Roux Institute's Rural Healthcare Scholars Program explore Maine's coastlines in Spring 2022
Program Details
An investment in your career and the immediate needs of healthcare providers in Maine
By joining the Pre-Clinical Healthcare Gap Year program, you’ll become an integral part of Maine’s emerging Life Sciences and Health sector, rooted at the intersection of industry and academia.
Following successful application and hiring with one of the program’s five designated healthcare partners, program participants will receive:
- Full-time, paid employment for a required 12-month period (wages to be determined by healthcare employer);
- $500 per month housing stipend;
- Wraparound services provided by Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, including career development, networking opportunities, social experiences, and more
Who should apply?
This program is best-suited for post-baccalaureate individuals looking to build their resumé by filling an entry-level healthcare position in the open landscape of Maine’s health sector.
What should I do if I’m interested?
Students are asked to first signal interest by completing the form at the bottom of this page, and a member of the Roux Institute team will reach out to learn more about your interest. You may also explore and apply for open positions with one of the program’s five healthcare partners. For more information, please contact program manager Jesse Billingham at [email protected].
Partner Healthcare Systems and Open Positions
Explore the Maine-based healthcare systems and clinics with open roles for the Pre-Clinical Gap Year program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MPCA is a membership organization representing the collective voices of Maine’s 20 Community Health Centers (CHCs), which provide high quality, affordable and equitable primary and preventive medical, behavioral health, and dental services to more than 200,000 people or 1 in 6 Mainers. Collectively, Maine’s CHCs have over 70 service sites across the state, making CHCs the largest, independent primary care network in the state.
Working at a Community Health Center is an exceptional career opportunity that offers unmatched personal and professional job satisfaction. Rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, Community Health Centers exist in high need communities that are designated as either medically underserved areas or populations. They provide comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, dental and pharmacy service to anyone who walks through the door, regardless of health insurance status or ability to pay. Maine’s Community Health Centers incorporate a team-based approach to reach patient desired outcomes and needs and are on the front lines of innovations to increase access to care such as incorporating community health workers into care teams, telehealth utilization, and providing enabling services. Some commonly posted positions across the network are within clinical support roles, administrative and operational supports, and Health IT. Post-baccalaureate opportunities may include medical assistant, patient service representative, dental assistant, phlebotomist, medical lab technician, community health worker, and patient navigator.
The ultimate return on bringing your brand of care to one of Maine’s Community Health Centers is enjoying not only a rewarding career in a supporting environment, but also the joy of having a job that loves you back.
The Vein Healthcare Center’s team of medical providers have worked with many early-career professionals, a number of whom have been accepted to nursing programs, physician assistant school, and medical school while working at VHC. Dr. Asbjornsen fosters a positive, supportive environment. Team members learn practical skills through daily hands-on experience, in addition to continuous mentoring by medical professionals. The private practice offers staff a unique opportunity to collaborate closely in care, research, and education with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other medical professionals, while also enjoying autonomy in their work.
Established in 2009, Greater Portland Health (GPH) is a 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center. Our mission is to provide high-quality, patient-centered healthcare that is accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive. Our vision is a healthy community in which everyone has access to integrated, culturally inclusive, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services promoting physical and emotional wellness. We believe all people, regardless of background, identity, or socioeconomic status, deserve access to safe and welcoming health care. We welcome everyone and accept all insurances, as well as offer a sliding fee scale for those without insurance. We approach all our work with the core values of respect, compassion, accountability, access, and excellence. The GPH team provides primary care, preventive, acute, and chronic disease management, integrated behavioral health, dental care, substance use treatment, and supportive services to over 12,000 community members across 14 health center sites in Portland, South Portland, and Westbrook. Our sites include six school-based health centers, three public housing sites, and one healthcare for the homeless site.
GPH is dedicated to hiring employees of all races, genders, ages, religions, identities, and family origins – all are welcome and encouraged to apply. We offer a competitive benefits package, and clinical staff receive Continuing Medical Education hours and funds. Apply today to make a difference in your community.
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.
Institutional Partners
Important Dates
Applications are currently open.
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Applications Open for the 2024-2025 Cohort (All Locations)
November 1st, 2023
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Program Start
Flexible start dates between April-August 2024
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Program Completion
12 Months After Start Date
In the News
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Roux Institute launches gap year program for health care students
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Gap year program gives Maine students healthcare experience
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The Roux Institute’s Pre-Clinical Gap Year Program Addresses a Critical Maine Need
FAQs
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.
Get in Touch
Interested in the Pre-Clinical Healthcare Gap Year in Maine? Please complete this form and our team will contact you with more information regarding opportunities and the process of being accepted into the program.
Submissions will be reviewed by a member of the Roux Institute on a rolling basis. Interested students are also invited to apply for the open positions with healthcare providers and clinics linked above. The hiring process for all positions will be managed directly by the healthcare employer.
Additional Resources
Looking for additional resources and training opportunities to advance your healthcare career in Maine? Visit Maine.gov/healthcaretrainingforme for information on a variety of occupational training programs.