Albany Technical College (Albany Tech) and Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital have recently established a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the local healthcare workforce. This collaboration introduces a new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals within the healthcare sector through academic and practical training.
The existing nurse aide certificate program at Albany Tech primarily exposed students to nursing home environments. This often led to a significant adjustment period, or “culture shock,” when graduates transitioned to hospital settings at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The new partnership directly addresses this gap by providing targeted training relevant to hospital environments.
According to Tanjula Petty, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Albany Tech, this initiative is a proactive response to the growing healthcare demands of the Albany community, particularly its aging population. “Albany has an aging population and (we need to be) responsive to the need,” Petty stated, emphasizing the program’s role in meeting local healthcare challenges. She further explained that while the original nurse aide program was geared towards nursing homes, the enhanced curriculum will offer students a more diverse and comprehensive background, better preparing them for various healthcare settings.
This innovative partnership streamlines the path for aspiring CNAs. Candidates applying for the CNA program, set to commence this summer, will navigate the application processes for both Phoebe Putney and Albany Tech concurrently. This synchronized approach ensures a smoother transition from training to employment at the hospital upon program completion.
Melanie Finlayson, student services specialist for Phoebe, highlighted the challenges faced by new recruits transitioning from nursing home training to the hospital environment. “They apply for a position here and find it really overwhelming,” Finlayson noted. The partnership aims to mitigate this by providing early and consistent exposure to a hospital setting, thereby building a robust talent pipeline. “(The partnership) provides exposure to a hospital setting and builds a pipeline. They can see the atmosphere, and we will be able to offer them a position.” Successful candidates will receive conditional job offers from Phoebe, contingent on their successful completion of the one-semester CNA program and subsequent certification. Upon passing the certification, these individuals will be onboarded as Phoebe employees. Finlayson emphasized, “We are looking at this as a good pipeline between Albany Tech and Phoebe.”
The CNA role is widely recognized as an entry point into the broader healthcare industry. By strategically recruiting and training individuals for these positions, the partnership seeks to alleviate the pervasive healthcare shortages, particularly in nursing. This strategy leverages local talent within the Albany area to address these critical needs. Finlayson believes that “through exposure, and going onto the (Phoebe) campus, will help alleviate the shortage. We find they are going somewhere else,” indicating the program’s intent to retain local talent within the Albany healthcare system.
Recognizing the financial hurdles that can impede educational pursuits, Phoebe Putney is committed to providing financial assistance to CNA students. “We are looking to be a resource to help them pay for program,” Finlayson explained, acknowledging that financial constraints often deter potential students. “We know, for so many, that is an obstacle.”
To disseminate information and engage potential candidates, an information session was held at Phoebe’s cafeteria solarium. Officials provided a program overview and initiated candidate interviews during this session. Finlayson mentioned proactive outreach efforts, stating, “We have been pushing out some communication via Facebook and social media. We have had some interest, and some calls from that.”
The overarching objectives of this partnership are to generate employment opportunities and cultivate local talent. “The overall goal is to create jobs and build talent. The overall partnership is a pipeline to help fill the CNA need. The jobs are there, we just need to get people through the proper program to be certified. The Albany Tech program has proven to be a quality program,” Finlayson affirmed.
Petty highlighted the significant cost savings for students, estimating around $1,400 per student due to Phoebe’s financial support. Moreover, training students within the actual hospital environment where they will potentially be employed instills confidence and realistic expectations. The encouraging initial applicant response signals the program’s potential for success. “It encourages me, and lets me know we are doing the right thing,” Petty said. “If there is a shortage, it is our job to respond to the need.” She concluded with an appeal to the community: “We are hoping to get the word out to the community and get people interested.”
Program prerequisites include a minimum age of 17 years, submission of transcripts, and potentially an admissions test. The curriculum encompasses 13 credit hours, featuring courses such as Intro to Health Care, Diet and Nutrition for Allied Health Sciences, Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences, and Nurse Aide Fundamentals, including hospital clinical rotations. “It will help increase enrollment in the health care setting,” Petty projected. She also expressed aspirations for students to pursue further education and career advancement within healthcare: “We are hoping it won’t stop at the nurse aide certification. We hope they will move on. We hope they will expand into other avenues. We have had individuals to get into CNA and like it and go on and do other things.”
Applicants expressing a strong interest in hospital employment will receive prioritized consideration, as Finlayson stated, “Interest in a hospital setting is what Phoebe is gauging immediately. This is an avenue for them to have a different experience.”
For further details about the program, individuals can contact Katrenia Shivers, Nurse Aide Coordinator and Practical Nursing Instructor at Albany Tech, at (229) 430-2832 or [email protected].
