For those looking to get into a profession with positive job prospects, now is a great time to get the training needed to become a nurse aide, according to a written release from Southwest Colorado Community College (SCCC). Jobs in the profession are available in many areas, including the Four Corners region, and the U.S. Department of Labor forecasts a 20 percent growth rate in jobs nationally over the next decade.
Community members in this region have the opportunity to get the skills needed to qualify for nurse aide jobs through the certificate program that is offered at the Mancos SCCC site. It teaches the basic skills and procedures that are needed to assist hospital patients, long-term care residents, and home healthcare clients with their daily living activities.
Lee Ungnade, the SCCCs Nurse Aide program coordinator, echoed the feeling about job availability in the industry, saying, This is an exciting time to work in healthcare. Due to the large number of Baby Boomers who are aging, the Department of Labors projection for faster-than-average job growth in this career field means that job prospects for trained nurse aides should be excellent.
To succeed in this program, a person who meets the entrance requirements must have a sincere concern for people as well as good physical and emotional health. A student can complete the classes in one semester, qualifying as a nurse aide and being eligible to sit for the state certification examination for which SCCC grads historically have had a high pass rate.
A few facts about the SCCCs Nurse Aide certificate program:
Students receive a total of 123 contact hours of training.
Students complete 40 hours of nursing home experience.
Training takes place in spacious classroom and lab facilities at the Mancos site.
Instructors have in-depth experience in the profession as well as in the supervision and training of nurse aides.
It consists of 4 classes per week, with each class meeting for 3 hours.
Prospective students need to complete basic skills testing as well as background and drug screen before admission to the program.
The SCCC facilities are considered to be excellent for students, containing several training beds in a spacious laboratory that simulates a real-life healthcare environment and is conducive to both teaching and learning.
Registration is open for the next evening class which begins on Monday, Oct. 8, so now is the time for students to meet with an advisor in the Go!Zone enrollment center at either the Mancos or Durango site to get the enrollment process started. Financial aid is available.
For information, contact Ungnade at 564-6207 orlee.ungnade@pueblocc.edu.