Based on the success of a pilot program offered earlier this year, The Aroostook Medical Center is again partnering with SAD #42 Adult Education to offer an accelerated training program for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

The hospital will pay participants an hourly wage for time spent in class and on clinical rotations.  An informational session regarding the program will be held on Tuesday, August 7, at 5:00 p.m. in TAMC’s conference center.

“A CNA provides hands-on healthcare to patients, helping with bathing, dressing and the basic activities of life, working under the direction of a nurse,” explains Barbara Ireland, associate vice president of nursing.  “They play a vital role in patient care both at the hospital and at our long-term and skilled care facility in Mars Hill, and we have open positions at both locations.”

Classes will be held daily Monday through Friday for the eight week program of education. This opportunity eliminates the traditional barriers to professional growth by hiring and paying students.  Successful graduates will not only have a new skill, they will have a new job at TAMC.

Four graduates successfully completed the pilot CNA training program in March, and now TAMC is looking to take on 10 new students for training.  Applications are now being accepted for the program.  Questions regarding duties of a CNA, employee benefits at TAMC and other details relating to the course will be answered on Tuesday evening.

“While physically demanding at times, this can be a very rewarding career personally,” says Odette LaPointe, RN, lead instructor for the program.  “It is also a great way to get started down the path of becoming a nurse or other healthcare professional. ”

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please plan to attend the August 7 session from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on the second floor of the East Annex on the TAMC campus, 140 Academy Street in Presque Isle.

This information was submitted to us as part of a press release. If you would like to share your community news or event with our audience, please email newspi@townsquaremedia.com.

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