Barton Community College offers free CNA courses in Ellsworth with area partners

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April 2, 2020
Story by Brandon Steinert

Those seeking a credential as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) have the chance to enroll in a course at no charge thanks to a generous anonymous donor and a collaboration between Barton Community College, Ellsworth County Medical Center (ECMC) and Good Samaritan Retirement Center. 

The two 2020 CNA classes are set for June 1-17 and July 6-22. The classes are 90 hours in length and held over two weeks. Presentations will be held at ECMC and clinical experiences at the Good Samaritan Retirement Center in Ellsworth. 

Twenty students will be selected for each class, with additional students added to a waitlist. Applications are available at www.ewmed.com.

After selection, applicants must still apply to Barton Community College and successfully pass a reading test prior to enrolling in the CNA class.

Students must be 16 years of age by the first day of class. High School students must have written permission from a guardian and their high school principal to receive college credit. 

Students must also pass a reference check, provide immunization records, proof of current health insurance and other requirements that will be communicated to students.

According to the pamphlet promoting the classes, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) are certified professionals that provide direct care towards patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. CNAs assist with tasks including taking vitals, dressing, eating, toileting, bathing and personal hygiene. Becoming a CNA is a chance to begin a long-term career in healthcare and opens the door for a wide variety of work settings. CNAs make a difference in the lives of patients and residents they serve. 

Registered Nurse Tami Birkholz is a staff nurse and Education Coordinator at Ellsworth County Medical Center (ECMC) and an adjunct professor at Barton Community College will teach the classes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Before working at ECMC, Tami worked in a variety of nursing settings including adult care homes and large and small hospitals. Students will find her to be a competent, energetic instructor with a wealth of experience. 

“I am thrilled to be teaching the 2020 CNA classes and am hopeful that this year’s students will become active in the Ellsworth Medical community.”