CNA Training: a Career in Health Care Right Here in Ruleville

By Robyn Marlow

CNA Training

You have heard us talk here a lot about how we are frequently in need of Certified Nursing Assistants. A quick check of our Careers Page will show you we are regularly looking for bright people to join our NSMC family at many levels in nursing.

It is a challenge every hospital has to deal with – recruiting and retaining new people to help serve our patients and our community. There are not enough nurses in the world. So we are always looking to find people who are willing to help by getting their nursing career off on the right foot.

In August, we are working with Mississippi Delta Community College on the start something really exciting. Beginning this Fall semester, MDCC will offer a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program in Ruleville.

Build a Career

If you have ever wanted a job in health care, this is a fantastic opportunity. And it’s right here in Ruleville. Patricia Kelly, Dean of Health Sciences at MDCC told us, “Anyone that is interested in health care, it is a great start to your career.”

Getting a CNA certificate is a very good way to start building a career. Some eventually become registered nurses or even eventually Certified Nurse Practitioners. “But a lot of people choose to make being a CNA their entire career,” Patricia said. “Once you get your CNA, you can get certified in a number of fields like phlebotomy or assisted-living. It’s a good way to make a stable living.”

The Health Care Assistant Program prepares the individual to assist in providing health care as a member of the health care team under the direction of a health care professional. Greenville Higher Education Center in Greenville and Golden Age Nursing Home in Greenwood also conduct programs. But this is the first program in Ruleville.

How to Apply

This is part of the New Pathways to Health Program, a collaboration between the Dreyfus Foundation and the Kellogg Foundation to support the workforce in the Delta.

To be eligible for the class, you need to be a high school graduate or have a satisfactory High School Equivalency score (GED or HiSET) OR be currently enrolled in the MDCC MiBest program. You also need to complete preadmission Accuplacer test OR have an ACT score of 14 (9 to10 if taken before October 28, 1989) or higher.

Completing the course earns 16 hours of college credit. Completing this course would count towards an Associate Nursing Degree and other advanced degrees. If you decided you wanted to further your education in nursing, you need to act fast. Contact Mrs. Maegan Applewhite at 662-246-6503 or mapplewhite@msdelta.edu to apply.

Are you are a compassionate person who enjoys helping others? If so, we hope you’ll consider joining the North Sunflower Medical Center family. This is a fantastic way to begin a career that can last your lifetime.