Three Rivers to offer free Certified Nursing Assistant classes | Business

POPLAR BLUFF, MO (KFVS) - Three Rivers College in October will begin offering programs at no or little cost to participants that can lead to entry-level positions in the healthcare field.

The college is using funds from a MoHealthWINs grant to offer programs in Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medication Technician, and Certified Insulin Administration.

“There are many job openings for people with these certifications,” said Richard McGill, Three Rivers interim Dean of Career Education and Workforce Development. “Because of the MoHealthWINS funds, area residents can get affordable training for these jobs and start a career path in the healthcare field.”

The grant pays for tuition and books for participants, and in many cases there is other funding available to pay other costs such as insurance and uniforms.

The program is aimed at area residents who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or low-skilled and those eligible to receive training through the Trade Readjustment Act, McGill said.

Entry-level wages for Certified Nursing Assistants are $8 to $10 per hour, with higher salaries offered for those with experience and extra certifications, such as medication technician and insulin administration, according to the Missouri Division of Career Education.

Those who are already CNAs can apply to receive training to be a Certified Medication Technician, who assists nurses in medication therapy, and Certified Insulin Administration, who assist with insulin therapy.

In addition, participants receive training and can receive certificates of completion for job readiness skills such as maintaining professionalism in the workplace.

Three Rivers has hired a career mentor to work with those interested in the program on applications and eligibility and to work with participants on career/training planning, certification testing, and job placement.

For more information on the CNA training program offered by Three Rivers College, call 573-840-9681.

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