The American Red Cross of Santa Monica is offering a limited enrollment and professional level training program for those who want to get into the medical field.
The five-week program will provide students with the basic skills needed to enter the medical profession as a certified nurse assistant (CNA).
Classes begin Monday, Nov. 1, and last from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. In total, the course is 22 days in length and 171 hours. The students spend 71 hours in lecture (theory) classes and the other 100 hours in a clinical setting.
“Nurse assistants are the first line of caregiver for the infirmed and elderly,” said Santa Monica Red Cross CEO John Pacheco. “Our CNA program, taught by well trained and committed Red Cross nurses, helps ensure that graduates have the skills to provide the highest level of compassionate care to seniors and others with long-term care needs.
“In addition to a steady paycheck, there’s also satisfaction in knowing your work enhances the quality of life for those in hospice, senior and other residential care facilities,” Pacheco added.
“With high unemployment, this program provided residents with a way to start a new career in the exciting and always in demand health care job sector.”
The registration fee is $100 (non-refundable) and is followed by a $1,400 course fee. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. The course fee includes: books, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, two uniforms, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation training and the state board exam. Financial aid and scholarships are currently unavailable.
The Santa Monica Red Cross is located at 1450 11th St. in Santa Monica, with free parking on the premises. For more information, call (800) 627-7000.
— Sophia Zhorne
