A tuition-free program to certify more nursing assistants in the region will address a workforce shortage in the health care field and offer an immediate chance for 15 students to earn critical marketable skills. CareerEdge Funders Collaborative will fund a Certified Nursing Assistant program at Manatee Technical College's Lakewood Ranch campus, running Feb. 29-May 25, for students ages 18-25.  

CareerEdge officials said the program is the most recent attempt to help up-skill workers in the region and put them into a field with the opportunity to climb a ladder of success. “These workers will have the opportunity to continue with some kind of education and development, then have higher wages,” said Deborah Chapman, program director for CareerEdge. She noted that like all CareerEdge programs, this was developed to meet employer need in the region. Meeting with major medical institutions that are part of the Sarasota Manatee Healthcare Collaborative, as well as other care providers like nursing homes, CareerEdge identified nursing assistants as a resource in need, as well as a chance for individuals seeking professional employment with upward mobility the chance to get into the field for the first time.

A total of 15 students will be enrolled in this first class, which they will each attend tuition free with a scholarship valued at approximately $975. Chapman noted that the highest demand in the health field for employees remains for registered nurses, but numerous college programs around the state have been designed to address that need. This program looking to certify nursing assistants is one of a fewer number of CNA efforts trying to get workers entry into the nursing field.

Those interested in enrollment should call 941-752-8100, ext. 2127 for more information. Applications are due Feb. 18, and candidates will be screened through MTC’s regular process for healthcare workers.