Jefferson College has partnered with Bethesda Health Group to start a new certified nursing assistant apprenticeship program that can help people enter the medical field, said Lora Warner, the college’s director of workforce and employment services.
The program, which begins Feb. 20, will allow students to “earn while they learn,” Warner said.
She said the deadline to apply for enrollment in the program is Feb. 13.
Warner said those who enroll in the college’s CNA program will take classes at the Jefferson College Arnold campus while completing 2,000 hours of on-the-job training through Bethesda Health Group, after which they will receive a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as their CNA certification.
Warner said that those in the apprenticeship program will be paid for their on-the-job training and “will start at $13 an hour and increase to $16, plus bonuses and wage differentials.”
She said apprenticeships are “gaining traction in Missouri.”
Warner said in the past apprenticeships had been offered in the trades but now they are available in health care, too.
“We have a high school CNA program through our ATS, but this apprenticeship program is for adults,” Warner said. “It’s a pathway for adults to become CNAs. It’s a noncredit program that will allow them to work as CNAs.”
CNAs must have 75 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of clinical experience before testing for state certification, she said.
Warner said those who complete the CNA apprenticeship program will have job opportunities.
“CNA is an entryway into (the nursing field),” she said. “Hospitals have started hiring CNAs, but historically, it’s been long-term care facilities (who hire them). It’s kind of the equivalent to a patient care assistant.
“They are helping people with eating, dressing, toileting. Also, bathing. They help with day-to-day living needs.”
She said those behind the apprenticeship program believe it will help fill a need in the area.
“There’s a ton of need for CNAs,” Warner said.
She said those interested in the program should contact Jefferson College.
“The maximum for the program at a given time is 15 students,” Warner said.
Tuition is free for those who qualify, she added.
“They need to qualify economically. Not everyone qualifies,” Warner said.
She said Jefferson College recently received a $7,000 Missouri Apprentice Ready grant to support apprentices.
“We also will use funding sources, such as SkillUp, which supports tuition for qualified SNAP recipients, and WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) in collaboration with the Arnold Job Center to help cover tuition costs for qualified individuals,” she said.
Eileen Caffey, director of recruiting and employees relations for Bethesda Health Group, which provides senior care and services in St. Louis, agreed that there is a need for a new stream of CNAs.
“Bethesda is interested in investing in people who have the compassion to care for others,” Caffey said. “For that reason, we are happy to participate and give people the opportunity to get paid while they learn.
“Absolutely, there is an acute shortage of people to be clinical caregivers in the area. I think this is a great opportunity for people interested in health care careers.”
For information, contact Warner at 636-481-3144 or workforce@jeffco.edu.