Immokalee Technical College is your “go to” college to “get a career in a year,” but what if I told you that you can get a career in six weeks! That’s right! In just six weeks this summer, from June 4 through July 11, you can start your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The iTECH CNA Program blends a comprehensive mixture of academic curriculum with hands-on training. Under the careful guidance of Yvonne McConnell, CNA Instructor, students train in a state of the art lab to learn and refine their skill set and gain confidence prior to entering a clinical setting and working with real patients. Ms. McConnell, who has been a nurse for 27 years and holds a Master of Science in Nursing, actually began her career in healthcare as a CNA. “Nursing Assistants are the eyes and the ears for the nurse and are vital members of the healthcare team. They have more contact with patients than other healthcare staff and develop close relationships keeping patients safe, providing comfort, and assisting with activities of daily living,” touts McConnell. The CNA program is a total of 165 clock hours with 75 of those hours dedicated to a clinical/lab setting, long term care facilities, and nursing homes. A segment of the class prepares students to sit for the state exam which consists of two parts, the written evaluation and the skill based test. Cynthia Hantzis, Health Sciences Coordinator, cautions, “There are other training programs out there, but they are not accredited. iTECH is an approved program by the Board of Nursing, which means we have met the requirements of the laws and rules of the State of Florida. In addition, iTECH is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) and by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).” “If you have a calling to work in the nursing profession, the CNA course is a good first step. We are looking for the individual who is proficient in basic math and science and is up to the challenge of the rigorous academic requirements,” states Hantzis. Interested persons may apply now. The application fee is $30. (Hint: Free application week is March 19-23.) Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED (unless dually enrolled at IHS and iTECH) and have a clean criminal history. Those in need of financial aid may make an appointment with iTECH’s Financial Aid Advisor, Anicca Rancy, by coming to the Student Services Department or by calling 239-377-9918. McConnell adds, “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018, the job outlook for employment as a certified nursing assistant is excellent, and the need is projected to grow faster than average compared to all other occupations.