ELLISVILLE – A partnership between Jones College’s Workforce College and South Central Regional Medical Center is giving more students their first introduction to the medical profession with practical training as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Additionally, because many graduates of the program plan to continue in their new roles, SCRMC is able to train potential employees, helping to fill the demand for skilled employees.
“This short-term training is a great opportunity for those who want to improve their lives and the lives of others. It may also be an option for someone who may be looking for new opportunities,” said Becky Collins, Jones College-Workforce College’s Business Development Manager. “It’s only three weeks or 100-hours of instruction and they will get classroom and clinical training. Once they complete that, they’ll take their certification tests. Those that complete the course successfully are eligible to work at the area nursing homes.”
Five students signed up for the first class, like Jamie Romero of Ellisville, who is interested in a career in the medical field.
“I wanted to see if this was an option for me to begin a career without going to college first,” said Romero. “I am interested in discovering my options within the medical profession.”
The eligibility requirements are minimal for the CNA Workforce program. Applicants must be 18 years old to take the certification test and complete a background check. An ACT score is not required and there is not a GPA requirement. The Certified Nurse Assistant Workforce class through SCRMC is a non-credit workforce program through Jones College and is funded through a grant with Accelerate Mississippi.
“This is really one of those programs that is trying to get individuals workforce ready. So, there are fewer requirements than for those who want to get into nursing. Maybe their grades are not where they need to be, or, maybe, they haven’t completed everything required for a traditional nursing program. This CNA program is a stepping stone for those people, and this is where they can learn those on-site job skills and then hopefully, reapply for a nursing program or put it on their application that it’s one of their extra skills they’ve gained to help set them apart when they are applying to further their medical career,” said Collins.
The first 12 days of the training under SCRMC’s instructor and nurse, Melisha Triplett LPN II, includes classroom instruction, learning the rules and regulations, and state requirements regarding various facilities. Then, as skills are mastered, students apply those skills in a clinical setting.
“When they finish the program, they will have the knowledge and training to take the state exam. If they pass, they are certified with the state of Mississippi and eligible to work in our long-term care facilities. This is a great opportunity for people who want to join the healthcare profession, and this is a great program for anyone wanting to start a career,” said Triplett.
The only out-of-pocket costs to students are the $50 fee to take the National Career Readiness Certificate test or WorkKeys, which many high school students have taken, and purchasing the required apparel like scrubs, shoes, and a watch. For more information and to apply for the upcoming February 20, 2025, class, call 601-477-4114 or email, workforce@jcjc.edu.
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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
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Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.