MA to BSN Pathway Program
Unity Health Care has partnered with the Bedford Falls Foundation as a funding partner and Trinity Washington University as the academic institution to support Medical Assistants (MAs) through a structured pathway designed to prepare them to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Overview
Program Size
Each year the program will accept 5-6 MAs.
Program Expectations
Maintain strong employment performance and professionalism while balancing academic responsibilities, including adherence to work schedules, attendance standards, and Unity policies.
Community Highlights
Diverse and vibrant city with excellent culture, robust public transit, and the best parks and green space of the major metropolitan areas
About the Program
The MA to BSN Pathway Program is a dynamic and integrated approach to developing skilled and compassionate registered nurses (RNs). Designed for MAs in their healthcare careers, the pathway provides structured preparation to pursue nursing education through prerequisite completion, academic planning, and professional development.
The program combines on-the-job learning with structured education, allowing participants to continue building practical healthcare experience while developing the academic foundation required for entry into pre-licensure BSN programs. Coursework is delivered through Trinity Washington University and sequenced to support academic readiness, prerequisite completion, and long-term progression toward nursing licensure.
What sets this pathway apart is its individualized, case by case support model that prioritizes personalized engagement and early intervention, recognizing uniqueness of each participant’s background and goals. Support is delivered on a case-by-case basis, with close, ongoing engagement through case management, regular check-ins, progress monitoring, and personalized planning and solutions. Dedicated support specialist work collaboratively with academic advisors and workplace partners to help each Pathfinder identify their unique pathway, address challenges early, and remain aligned with both academic and employment expectations.
Eligibility requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years at the time of application and possession of a high school diploma or GED.
- Employment with Unity Health Care for a minimum of one (1) year and good standing, including satisfactory performance and attendance
- Applicants must demonstrate sufficient basic Math and English skills to benefit from the program. A high school diploma or GED serves as acceptable proof of Math and English proficiency. Applicants without a high school diploma remain eligible but must demonstrate proficiency through CASAS assessments administered by Trinity Washington University, with minimum required scores of CASAS GOALS Reading 224 and CASAS GOALS Math 208.
- Successful completion of required background checks, drug screening, health clearances, immunizations, and proof of health insurance in accordance with healthcare and academic standards.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English to effectively communicate in clinical, academic, and professional settings.
- Commitment to balancing employment responsibilities with academic requirements, including adherence to scheduled work, educational activities, and program expectations.
Application Process
- Personal Statement: Submit either a handwritten essay (approximately 500 words) or a 5-minute video responding to the prompt, “Why Unity Health Care should choose me for the MA to BSN Pathway Program.”
- Letters of Recommendation: One personal letter and one professional letter addressing character, work ethic, and readiness for the program.
- Review & Interviews: Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness; selected applicants may be invited to interview with the program selection committee.
- Timeline: Program intakes occur annually in the Fall.
- Submission: Email all required materials to MAtoBSNprogram @unityhealthcare.org.
About Unity Health Care
Unity Health Care is deeply committed to workforce development and career advancement within the healthcare sector. The District of Columbia is home to multiple Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), underscoring persistent gaps in access to care and the growing need for a stable, well-prepared healthcare workforce. In response to these workforce challenges, Unity Health Care prioritizes strategies that strengthen retention, advancement, and long-term career pathways for frontline healthcare staff.
In close collaboration with program partners, Unity Health Care supports this effort by providing a structured and supportive employment environment that allows MAs to remain fully employed while preparing for future educational advancement. Under this model, participants work 20 hours on site and dedicate the remaining 20 hours to approved continuing education (CEU) activities, and these 20 CEU hours are funded by the Bedford Falls Foundation. This structure enables participants to maintain full-time employment status, and associated benefits, while meeting workplace expectations and engaging in academic preparation in a balanced and sustainable manner.