By Hannah Keller Flanery
UACCB Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Two departments at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) have teamed up with the North Central Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to make certified nursing assistant (CNA) training more accessible to those wanting a career in healthcare.
UACCB’s adult education and the nursing and allied health departments are working in collaboration with WIOA to offer CNA courses to those who need to earn their General Education Diploma (GED) or to those who already have a high school diploma.
Andrea Lee, director of adult education, said students will receive applicable workforce training through the CNA courses as well as the opportunity to enhance their literacy skills in a CNA context with the help of the adult education department.
“Students will be prepared for a career in a high-demand field with the skills employers desire. They’ll be able to go directly to work after obtaining their certification if they choose or can continue their education to become a licensed practical nurse,” Lee said.
Lynn Poff, career specialist with WIOA, said the organization would provide financial assistance for those who meet eligibility requirements.
“We can help offset the cost of tuition, fees, uniforms, books, and other specialty equipment necessary for the program. For those who want to earn their LPN, we can provide assistance with those costs as well,” Poff said.
Lee added that there are additional services available to help with other costs such as childcare and travel expenses for those that qualify through programs such as the Career Pathways Initiative at UACCB.
Classes will be twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the spring semester. Students will also attend clinicals. Informational sessions will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 3 and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 6 in the adult education building, (room 507 on the UACCB campus) for those interested in learning more about the program. For more information, contact Lee at (870) 612-2085 or Janet Rodgers at (870) 612-2164 in adult education.
