Tidewell Hospice, the American Red Cross and CareerEdge are offering a free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program with guaranteed employment for eligible participants interested in a healthcare career. Thanks to an anonymous donor from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the organizations are offering this opportunity for those who would like to work in healthcare but can’t afford CNA training. The costs of tuition and the state examination fee will be covered for those chosen for the program. Participants will only be responsible for their medical exam and the purchase of scrubs. Upon successful completion of the training program, the CNA graduates will be guaranteed employment at Approved Home Health or Tidewell Hospice, with starting wages between $12 and $13 per hour. The program will run Jan. 22, 2018, to March 31, 2018, and classes will be held from 5–9:30pm, Mondays through Thursdays (with two mandatory Saturday classes) at the American Red Cross office in Sarasota. Applicants must pass a Level 2 background check per Florida healthcare regulations, submit to a motor vehicle record search and provide proof of auto insurance. Prospective participants are invited to attend one of three information sessions. The sessions will be 5:30-7:30pm, Dec. 12 and Dec. 28 at Selby Library in Sarasota and 5:30-7:30 pm, Jan. 4 at Tidewell in Sarasota. Those interested can RSVP for the information sessions at the website below.

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative