Dominique Ashby, Natalie Jones, Kassie Kackley, Hannah Liller, Jada Owens, Ashley Roy, Alexis Thompson and Allison Zirk
Thomas, WV – Nearly seventy-five family, friends and well-wishers gathered at Cortland Acres last Friday evening to witness the inaugural class of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students as they received their “Lady of the Lamp” pin marking the successful completion of the ten-week program.
The pinning signifies more than the conclusion of the program, it celebrates the vision of many in the area to provide local residents with viable careers in healthcare. Together, the Tucker County Board of Education (TCBOE) and administrators at Tucker County High School (TCHS) worked with Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College and staff at Cortland Acres to bring this idea to life.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our Tucker County High School students and anyone interested in getting into the healthcare profession,” explains Board of Education President Tim Turner. “Whether they choose to start their careers right away as a CNA or go on to pursue more education in the field, this course puts them on the path to success.
Superintendent Ed Campbell, Board President Tim Turner and Vice President Janet Preston worked with TCHS Principle Steve Cosner and Vice Principle William Shahan to offer the off-site CNA class for health credit within the high school curriculum. Business Coach with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center – a Division of the West Virginia Development Office, Lindsey Teets worked with Kathy Supak and others at Cortland Acres so that the certification would meet transfer criteria should students choose to pursue a Nursing Associate in Applied Science degree and become a Registered Nurse.
“It’s always exciting to see communities working together for the greater good,” explains Lindsey Teets. “As I worked to coordinate the partnership between the Tucker County High School, Cortland Acres and everyone at the Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, I realized this program would have a profound impact on the area. When community organizations work together – public or private – everyone wins.”
Working Monday through Friday mornings at Cortland Acres, the ten students took advantage of Cortland Acres’ vast facilities for classroom lecture and instruction as well as hands-on training with residents to complete the CNA curriculum.
The next CNA class is scheduled for early May, 2018. Anyone interested in enrolling, please contact Lois Nelson or Kathy Supak at Cortland Acres at (304) 463-4181.
Cortland Acres is a non-profit corporation offering state-of-the-art nursing care and skilled rehabilitation on a spacious 35-acre campus is the heart of scenic Tucker County, West Virginia. The Cortland campus includes a 94-bed long-term care facility, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and therapy options, as well as a variety of independent living opportunities. For more information call 304-463-4181 or visitwww.cortlandacres.org.