Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC), Office of Economic Development had the first graduates of its Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training Program during the Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Inaugural Graduation and Pinning Ceremony.

The mistress of the ceremony was Beth Wiswell, CNA Program Coordinator; and on hand to bring greetings and inspire the inaugural graduates and their families included Cynthia Edwards, VP Economic Development and Community Engagement, Sid Jessup, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC), and Katrina Young, Director, Economic Development.

Graduates Teresa Carr, Kimberly Chambers, Brittni Griggs, Mary Hernandez, Chankana Roberts and Ashley Warren successfully completed the eight-week non-credited program as mandated by the State of Georgia and sanctioned by the Alliant Georgia Medical Care Foundation. These six students were sponsored by the NEGRC.

The graduates participated in classroom instructions and clinical training, facilitated first in the simulated laboratory and then onsite in a skilled nursing care facility by GPTC RN instructors and CNA preceptors. This hands-on practicum is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to assist patients with activities of daily living, perform basic care and medical procedures such as taking vital signs, dressing IVs, monitoring patient’s psychosocial needs, and implementing patient safety protocols.

The graduate CNAs will sit for the Pearson Vue National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination. The GPTC Economic Development staff, in collaboration with the NEGRC is committed to the continued success of the graduates by providing a post-grad refresher session, workforce readiness, career counseling, and employment guidance and assistance.
For information about the non-credited CNA Training Program, please contact GPTC Office of Economic Development at 404-297-9522, extension 5016.