Page 17 - Healthcare News Jan/Feb 2023

HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE CONT’D
cost of the project, including funds for construction, design, equipment, materials, and training, is about $2 million.
Gladys Franco, assistant vice president for Workforce Development at STCC, said students receive hands-on training at the new CNA lab, which includes six patient simulators. Students also train through clinical rotations at long-term-care facilities.
“We worked hard to try to develop a realistic environment, and that’s important for enhanced healthcare skills.”
“It’s an amazing course,” said Marianna Navarro Santiago, a CNA student who attended the ribbon- cutting ceremony. “I used to work in the healthcare field, but I’ve been out of school for a while. Having a refresher course and an amazing teacher is helpful for me.”
Another student, Marcia Virgovuncan, added that “it’s been a tremendous journey for me. We have a wonderful teacher, Kathleen Nichols. I can’t wait
to get out and take care of people. There are a lot of people out there who need our care.”
The new CNA lab will enable STCC to increase
training capacity (day, afternoon, evening, and weekends) of the CNA Plus program, which effectively translates to a new cohort starting about every six weeks. The program is designed to help students achieve a certified nurse assistant certificate, CPR certification, home health aide training certificate, and Alzheimer’s and neurological disorders training, which will expand participant place- ment opportunities.
Students who complete the program will hold certificates that will allow direct employment place- ment into area medical, assisted- living, or rehabilitation facilities, or employment with visiting healthcare services for in-home positions.
The state grants will provide at
least 80 students with full tuition,
books, and equipment necessary to complete the CNA Plus program, including the CNA certificate testing fees.
“With intentionality and planning diligence, STCC continues to make every effort to meet the need for healthcare workforce training,” Cook said. “This investment brings an enhanced capacity in a field we know only continues to grow and expand.”
The SNAP Path to Work Program and the Hampden Prep Program funded by the Community Mitigation Grant also support students in accessing
STCC President John Cook speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the new CNA lab.
CNA training at STCC.
Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health
and Patient Simulation, said CNA students have an opportunity to transition to the STCC degree pro-
Please see STCC, page 20
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