Those who enjoy taking care of people and want to channel that gift into a career are welcome to enroll in a free certified nursing assistant training program now offered at Westerly Education Center. The training is available to any Rhode Island resident with a high school diploma or GED equivalent; no experience is necessary.  

The curriculum, designed by CCRI, addresses all core competencies needed for passing the licensing exam and successful practice. Because of the dire shortage of CNAs in the region, the course is being offered on behalf of the long-term care industry partnership and funded by a Real Jobs RI grant. The employers will hire graduates from this course.

Prospective students must pass a free placement test. Test dates are September 12 and 19 at 10 a.m. and September 17 at 1 p.m. The tests and all coursework will be held at Westerly Education Center, 23 Friendship Street, Westerly. Coursework begins in October. To register, contact Alyson Schena at aschena@healthcentricadvisors.org or call 528-3247.

Included with the CNA training are testing and licensing fees, the textbook, CPR training, a blood-pressure cuff and stethoscope, job placement assistance and job shadowing, and support services, such as tutoring, counseling, and more.