Hospital launches CNA class
Registration deadline Aug. 31 for Mars Hill site
PRESQUE ISLE — Certified nurse assistants (CNAs) are in demand across the region, and three local organizations have joined forces to bring an affordable training opportunity to interested individuals.
The Aroostook Medical Center, SAD 42 Adult Education and the Aroostook County Action Program are partnering to offer a three-month CNA course, which will begin Oct. 4 in Mars Hill.
“Like many healthcare organizations across the country, TAMC has been experiencing a shortage of CNAs, particularly at the Aroostook Health Center, our long-term care facility in Mars Hill,” said Lacey Collin, RN, BSN, director of nursing at AHC. “What better way to help meet this skilled worker shortage than by growing our own from the communities that TAMC and AHC serve.”
The hospital reached out to the adult education program in Mars Hill and to ACAP to put that thought into action.
“We have the facility at AHC to serve as the teaching ground, and we have the staff to teach the course; but we knew we needed help to make it happen,” explained Collin.
The course will officially be offered through SAD 42 Adult Education. They are ensuring that course content will meet state requirements, creating application packets, enrolling students and handling a number of the administrative details associated with offering the course.
“We are pleased to be able to offer another CNA course teaming up with TAMC, and this year with ACAP offering tuition assistance it will make it easier for those who can’t afford the fee,” said Kathy Miller, administrative assistant at SAD 42.
“It takes special people to provide this valuable care to our older generation, and we are excited to see the next class of caregivers. The need is there and we want to provide qualified workers to AHC,” Miller said.
To help pay for the cost of the training and other associated expenses, ACAP will offer financial assistance to those who qualify. This assistance can help cover the course fee, transportation, childcare and other related expenses.
“ACAP Workforce Development is so pleased to partner with TAMC and Mars Hill Adult Education on this training,” said Christy Daggett, senior manager. “Thanks to funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act as well as the Jobs Driven National Emergency Grant, our job counselors help eligible job seekers to focus on achieving their career goals by removing the barriers that may prevent them from moving forward.
“Funding may cover the cost of training, transportation and even childcare. In addition, paid on-the-job training and work experience may also be available. Our goal is to do everything we can to help them succeed,” Daggett said.
For those who end up working for TAMC, either at AHC or the Presque Isle hospital, benefits for full- and part-time employees include medical insurance, dental and eye care plans, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, a cafeteria discount and fitness center discount. At TAMC, the starting pay for new CNAs, without prior experience, is $10.20.
Classes start on Tuesday, Oct. 4, and will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Jan. 3. The cost of the class is $500, with a $100 application fee that includes the cost of the textbook. Again, financial assistance with this cost is available through ACAP for those who qualify.
The deadline to register is Aug. 31. To learn more, contact Miller at 425-3771.
