STCC to Offer Bilingual CNA Classes on Saturdays

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will offer Saturday classes for bilingual Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Plus training starting in October.

Sept. 13 is the deadline to sign up for the classes, which will be taught by instructors who are fluent in English and Spanish. Classes will be held on most Saturdays from Oct. 12 to Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Participants who successfully complete the comprehensive in-person training will receive a CNA certificate, CPR certification, as well as a home health aide (HHA) training certificate. The program includes training in Alzheimer’s and neurological disorders.

One of the instructors, Karim Lizardi, is a registered nurse with more than 12 years of healthcare experience. He began his career in the medical field as a certified nurse aide and is working to guide the next generation of healthcare workers as an educator. He has experience tutoring and instructing nursing and CNA students at community colleges.

“This year, I am most looking forward to guiding and working side by side with passionate learners who will graduate as certified nursing aides and transform into the next leaders in healthcare,” Lizardi said.

Gladys Franco, assistant vice president for Workforce Development, said the training will lead to in-demand jobs for people who like helping others.

“We are excited to offer CNA Plus training taught by bilingual instructors,” Franco said. “This program offers flexibility by being taught on the weekend. It is a terrific opportunity for anyone looking to get their start in the healthcare field.”

The nurse-aide training program will provide participants with job skills to enter the healthcare field and prepare for the Massachusetts state board examination to become a certified nurse aide and also receive certification in CPR.

Students learn to care for residents in long-term-care facilities and will practice the following skills: personal patient care; patient rights; lifting and turning patients; safety; infection control; bed, bath, and feeding; vital signs; record keeping; mental healthcare of residents; and stress management.

The HHA training component prepares a CNA to provide care in a patient’s home. Its primary focus is placed on personal care and home management for patients.

For more information and to enroll online, visit stcc.io/cna. To enroll in person, go to Building 27, second floor, on the STCC campus, or call (413) 755-4225. For more information, email workforcetraining@stcc.edu.