The series of classes start at HACC's Penn Center, 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg, starting Feb. 15 and again March 9. Classes also will be offered at HACC's Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center on HACC's Harrisburg Campus starting Feb. 9 and March 16, and at Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Carlisle, starting Feb. 7 and March 7.
Classes also start at these locations across Pennsylvania:
Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Carlisle, on Feb. 7 and again March 7
HCR ManorCare Whitehall, Pittsburgh, starting Feb. 15
St. Mary's Manor, Lansdale (Montgomery County), with classes starting Feb. 9 and March 9
Artman Lutheran Home, Ambler on Feb 15
Paul's Run, Philadelphia on March 7
For those who are compassionate and enjoy working with people, being a nurse aide can be a very rewarding and fulfilling career.
"Nurse aides are more connected to the patients," said Kathie Zimmerman, director of nurse aide training at HACC. "The relationships that the aides have with the residents are remarkable."
According to Zimmerman, being a nurse aide is a great entry level position in the healthcare industry, with many jobs often offering good benefits packages.
"Many people don't realize that this is such a short course," adds Zimmerman. "It's very intense, though, and on a yearly basis, nurse aides have to take 12 hours of in-service education."
HACC's nurse aide training is taught by registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses. HACC also is in need of instructors at various locations across the state.
The 13-day course or 15-evening course totals 104 hours. It falls under the regulatory status of the PA Department of Education, and successful completion of the nurse aide course prepares students to take the Pennsylvania State Competency Exam required to work at a hospital, home health care facility or long-term care setting. Taking the competency exam is beneficial at other health care areas, though it may not be a requirement.
Cost for the course is $585. Those who are self-paying and get a job at a long-term care facility can be reimbursed for the cost through Medicare.
HACC also does training at nursing homes for their prospective nurse aide employees. These students already have been selected for hire as a nurse aide and thus do not have to pay the $585 in advance.
The Nurse Aide program is also a great career path for those already pursuing degrees in some 200 other healthcare fields. Students can gain experience as a nursing aide and earn money while pursuing an advanced degree. Many employers have tuition refund programs.
Prospective students should enroll early so that they may fulfill entrance requirements including a physical, background check and tuberculosis test prior to the start of classes. Applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds to their waist.
The purpose of the course is to provide the long-term care nurse aide trainee with a basic level of knowledge and skills needed to care for an elderly resident/client as set forth by the profession of nursing and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Registration is available with a VISA/MASTERCARD by calling (717) 221-1351 or in Pennsylvania, (800) 222-4222 extension 1351. A registration form also is available by clicking on the Website below.