Dabney S. Lancaster Community College will offer courses this fall for those seeking positions as nurse aides. Some spaces are still available for this short-term training that begins Sept. 14 and may be completed in only nine weeks. By participating in the lecture, lab and clinical portions of the training, students will be prepared to sit for state certification examinations. Employment opportunities are excellent and numerous openings will be available at many types of facilities throughout the area. Tina Hawley, head of the DSLCC nursing program, announced the schedule for fall semester. The program consists of two courses, Health Care Technician I and II (six credits), and students must enroll in both of them. The first day will be Wednesday, Sept. 14, and both courses will end by the middle of November. Details of the lecture, lab and clinical portions will be outlined by the instructor. “In only nine weeks, individuals can complete training and be ready to seek employment in a field experiencing tremendous demand,” said Hawley. “The position of nurse aide may be one that individuals select for their first step on a pathway that can lead to numerous opportunities in nursing or allied health. Nurse aides are critical for the personal care of individuals - whether they are in a hospital setting, nursing care center, or private homes. While employed, aides can become familiar with other areas of employment in healthcare that they may want to pursue.” Hawley added that many aides later decide to return to DSLCC to prepare to become practical nurses or even take the next step and enter the DSLCC program to prepare to become registered nurses. Fall Semester training will be based on DSLCC’s Clifton Forge campus. For more information, email thawley@dslcc.edu. To register, call 540-863-2820 for details. Spaces in these courses are limited so early registration is encouraged. Financial aid information is available.
