Hennessy Ascencio’s Path to Healthcare: Learning, Earning, and Growing Through Apprenticeship
At a clinic in North Hollywood, Hennessy Ascencio is building the skills, confidence, and experience she needs to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. What she found was more than a training program—it was Propel America’s first-ever Registered Apprenticeship, a structured, earn-and-learn pathway into healthcare.
When Hennessy Ascencio first began working in healthcare, she already knew one thing for sure: caring for patients was where she belonged. But she also knew she wanted to do more.
Before joining Propel America, Hennessy worked at a fertility clinic as a phlebotomist, drawing blood for 70 to 80 patients each day. The work was meaningful—but she wanted a deeper role in patient care and advancement opportunities.
“I loved connecting with patients,” she says. “But I wanted to do more than just draw blood. I wanted to help guide them through their care and advocate for them.”
Today, Hennessy is fulfilling that hope as a Medical Assistant Apprentice at Valley Community Healthcare in North Hollywood, where she was hired through Propel America’s employer partner network.
Hennessy discovered Propel America while searching for ways to continue her education without taking on debt. “Honestly, Propel offering free tuition caught my attention,” she says. “I’m terrified of debt. And once I started the process, I realized how supportive the team was.”
From admissions interviews to ongoing communication, she says the Propel team helped her feel confident that she belonged in the program. “They made me feel like I was meant to be here,” she recalls. “The communication was great—I never felt like I was left in the dark.”
“I loved connecting with patients, but I wanted to do more than just draw blood. I wanted to help guide them through their care and advocate for them.”
What she found was more than a training program—it was Propel America’s first-ever Registered Apprenticeship, a structured, earn-and-learn pathway into healthcare.
Before stepping into a clinic, Hennessy completed a one-month Accelerator designed to build foundational medical knowledge and durable skills like communication, problem solving, and accountability—ensuring she was ready to succeed from day one.
After completing the Accelerator, Propel sent her resume to partner clinics. Within weeks, she interviewed at two sites and received an offer from Valley Community Healthcare.
She’s been working there full time since November, beginning the 14-month apprenticeship that combines paid, on-the-job training with classroom learning.
“I got hired quickly, and I’ve been learning on the job ever since,” she says.
Learning by Doing
Hands-on experience has been one of the most valuable parts of the program. As an apprentice, Hennessy is completing 2,000 hours of paid, full-time training with her employer while also working toward 600 hours of Related Technical Instruction delivered by Loyola Marymount University.
This coursework—aligned with Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) standards—is concentrated in the first six months, preparing her to earn her certification midway through the program.
At Valley Community Healthcare, Hennessy works in the women’s health department, supporting gynecologists with a wide range of procedures—from patient intake to assisting with exams and administering vaccines.
“I learned that medical assistants can actually give injections and vaccines,” she says. “I didn’t know that before.”
Today, she confidently administers flu shots, Tdap vaccines, birth control injections, and more. “All my patients say they never feel the shot when I give it,” she says with a smile.
Working closely with physicians has also shown her how different providers approach care.
“At first it was hard to juggle everything—school, work, the gym, and seeing friends. I realized everything is a priority—my education, my health, my relationships. I just had to learn how to organize my time.”
“Every doctor does things a little differently,” she explains. “It’s been really interesting to learn those workflows and adapt.”
Throughout the apprenticeship, Hennessy is supported not only by on-site supervisors and mentors, but also by a Propel coach who helps her navigate challenges and stay on track—an added layer of support designed to drive retention and long-term success.
Balancing Work, School, and Life
Like many Propel Fellows, Hennessy has had to balance a full schedule—working full time from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., commuting home, and completing coursework in the evenings as part of her technical instruction.
“At first it was hard to juggle everything—school, work, the gym, and seeing friends,” she says.
Eventually, she found a system. “I realized everything is a priority—my education, my health, my relationships. I just had to learn how to organize my time.”
She began studying during lunch breaks and structuring her week to balance responsibilities and personal time. “That’s something the program really helped me develop—discipline and time management.”
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Being a Voice
Hennessy has long been drawn to healthcare. As early as fifth grade, she imagined working in medicine. Over time, her goals evolved toward nursing—particularly labor and delivery. “Something about bringing life into the world is beautiful,” she explains. “I want to support mothers and families during those moments and make sure they feel heard and cared for.”
But she is candid about one challenge she has faced: imposter syndrome. “As a Hispanic woman, sometimes I think, ‘Am I supposed to be here?’” she says.
But moments with her patients quickly remind her why she belongs. “When a patient thanks me for being able to speak Spanish and help them understand their care, it makes everything worth it,” she says. “They make me feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
At her clinic, the majority of patients speak Spanish. “A lot of people don’t know what questions to ask or how to advocate for themselves,” she says. “I try to give them the confidence they might not have.” Her ability to connect with patients is especially powerful in the community she serves.
As she progresses through the program, Hennessy is preparing to earn her certification—an important milestone that typically comes with a wage increase. By the end of the apprenticeship, participants see their earnings grow by an average of 30%.
Looking Ahead
Hennessy is currently completing the final stages of her Medical Assistant training and preparing for certification later this year. But this milestone is just one step in her long-term journey toward her goal of Labor & Delivery nursing. For now, she’s focused on continuing to learn, advocate for patients, and grow in the career she loves.
And for future applicants considering Propel America, she has simple advice: “If you’re thinking about it, apply,” she says. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Interested in Starting your own healthcare career?
Learn more about Propel America’s Apprenticeship training programs and how you can become a Fellow.
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