Local CNA training program working to fill a need in the healthcare industry

PALMER — A growing need in the local healthcare industry led to the creation of a program that is now working to help fill the void.

The Mat-Su Certified Nurse Aide Training Program was approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing in late 2020, and is now producing nurse aides who are qualified to work for healthcare providers throughout the Valley.

“The program started because of the need for healthcare workers here in the Mat-Su area,” program administrator Jesse Christensen said. “We’re trying to grow the workforce so the hospitals, nursing homes and the other providers aren’t running so short staffed and using traveling staff from out of state.”

Christensen said there is a great need for CNA’s who can provide direct patient care, and assist nurses and staff at facilities across the region.

“There’s a high demand,” Christensen said.

There’s also the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which similar programs were shut down. That extended the need.

There are other avenues for CNA training, but they are connected to more traditional education programs. There are courses at Mat-Su Career and Technical High School and Mat-Su College, but those are geared toward secondary and post-secondary students. Alaska Job Corps has also had CNA programs in the past.

But the Mat-Su CNA Training Program is different.

“This one is for anybody,” Christensen said.

Mat-Su CNA instructor and program coordinator Angie Thursby said the program has already drawn a wide range of students, ages 18 to 60. Thursby said, in just a matter of months, she has seen a variety of students that includes recent high school graduates to single moms to people with advanced degrees ready for a career change.

Thursby also said the opportunity for success has been almost immediate upon completion.

“Everyone so far who has come into the program has a job before they finish the program or at least a week or two after,” Thursby said.

Thursby also said the potential salary ranges from about $17 per hour to $23 per hour depending on where they work. There are also bonuses for working nights and weekends. Potential employment includes hospitals, long term care facilities, assisted living and home health care.

There is also financial aid available for prospective students.

“Right now I don’t think I’ve had a single student pay out of pocket for their tuition or fees,” Thursby said.

Mat-Su CNA is currently housed on the Maple Springs campus in Palmer. Thursby said Maple Springs offers to cover the cost of the program for a CNA student in exchange for the commitment of one year of employment. The Mat-Su Health Foundation also has a vocational scholarship available for those who have lived in the Valley for at least a year.

Mat-Su CNA offers a six-week course that includes 80 hours of clinical instruction and 60 hours of classroom instruction. Students meet from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and also have shifts working hands-on at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Thursby said the clinical hours are split between providing mock patient care and in the hospital setting.

Following the six weeks, students receive a certificate of completion which qualifies them to become certified with the state.

Those interested can email Thursby at matsucna@gmail.com or see mat-sucna.com

Contact Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com.