Welcome to a transformative opportunity designed to empower healthcare support professionals, with a special focus on Home Health Aides aspiring to advance their careers.
In a city where thousands of African immigrants are employed in healthcare support roles, career stagnation is a prevalent issue. This is particularly true for Home Health Aides (HHAs), who frequently encounter barriers to career progression due to low English proficiency and the financial strain of obtaining additional healthcare certifications. Advancing in their careers typically requires higher levels of English proficiency to attain further certifications.
The Healthcare Support Career Accelerator program, HSCA, aims to break down these obstacles and pave the way for career growth not only for HHAs, but for anyone who wants to work in the healthcare support field.
Addressing Language Barriers
For many immigrants, limited English proficiency presents a barrier to accessing advanced training and certification programs. Our program addresses this challenge by providing a 14-week healthcare-contextualized English training. This training emphasizes the development of healthcare-related vocabulary and facilitates practice of conversational English within the professional healthcare setting. Through interactive and engaging exercises, participants immerse themselves in real-life work scenarios, enhancing their language skills within a healthcare context and preparing them for the next step in the program: Certified Nursing Assistant training.
Affordability Concerns
Affordability presents another significant barrier to career progression. The high cost of additional healthcare support training and certification can make career advancement inaccessible to many. Our program is specifically designed to address this issue, ensuring that costs are covered by the program, thanks to our generous funders, and do not impede career advancement.
Participants who successfully complete the English training will then proceed to an 8-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training. This training covers the fundamentals of the CNA role and prepares participants for the CNA New York state exam. Obtaining the CNA certification is a pivotal step for HHAs and individuals pursuing healthcare support employment, as it unlocks increased job opportunities and higher earning potential.
Job Placement Support
Upon successful certification, our commitment continues with job placement support for newly certified CNAs. Our goal is to facilitate a seamless transition from training to employment, empowering program participants to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare support field, thanks to the high-quality training and preparation they have undergone throughout the HSCA program.
Job placement support will be available for 6 months after certification. While we aim to assist newly certified CNAs in starting their new roles, it's important to note that job placement is not guaranteed, as is typical in any job search.
Who Is This Program For?
Priority will be given to individuals with Home Health Aide experience, however, the program is open to anyone who meet the following criteria:
- Live in New York City
- Have valid work authorization
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent from the U.S. or abroad
- Have intermediate English proficiency and require additional support to enhance English language skills (selected participants undergo an English assessment)
- Want to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Can commit to attending in-person classes for the program's duration (approximately 6 months)
Support Offered by the Program
We strive to offer comprehensive support to assist program participants in prioritizing their learning and attaining their professional goals. Participants will have access to high-quality healthcare-contextualized English training and CNA training, which includes preparation for the CNA exam and certification. All program expenses, including training and certification costs, are covered by the HSCA program, alleviating participants of any financial burden. Additionally, we provide a bi-monthly stipend, childcare enrollment assistance, transportation support, and access to computers, among other resources.
Why CNA Certification?
CNA certification not only aligns with the growing demand for healthcare support professionals but also provides a platform for career growth and better earning potentials. Advancing a career in healthcare support holds numerous advantages, and pursuing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification can be a pivotal step for several reasons:
- More Opportunities:
- CNA roles offer substantial benefits, including full-time schedules and better pay. By obtaining CNA certification, paired with improved English proficiency, individuals position themselves for a more stable and rewarding career in the healthcare support sector.
- Career Advancement:
- CNA certification serves as more than just a milestone—it's a gateway to broader opportunities. It unlocks pathways to advanced certifications like Patient Care Technician (PCT), phlebotomy, and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Obtaining a CNA certification can lay the groundwork for pursuing further certifications and licenses in the future, expanding access to a wider range of roles within the healthcare field.
How to Apply
Are you ready to begin your journey towards becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant?
Apply by completing the application form provided here by July 8th, 2024.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to high demand, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Next Steps
You will receive a follow up email from ACT within a week from the day you submit your application. We communicate primarily through email, therefore, please make sure to check your email inbox regularly for important updates.
Participants who meet all program requirements will be invited to take in-person English assessment to determine their English proficiency.
Questions?
Have questions or need more information? Send us an email at: NYjobs@africans.us.