COLORADO SPRINGS — There are hundreds of certified nurse aide (CNA) vacancies right now in southern Colorado, but some people just can't afford to pay full price for the class needed to get certified.
The Colorado Springs Health Foundation recently donated $28,500 to The Independence Center CNA training program to help address the ongoing shortage of health care workers.
"There's close to 1,000 jobs just here in the Colorado Springs area," Home Health Administrator and CNA Training Coordinator Indy Frazee said.
Frazee says anyone who is passionate about helping others and needs a job right now should certainly consider applying.
"Being a CNA is the first step into the health care industry and right now more than ever, there is a plethora of jobs for CNA's," she said.
The class normally costs $950.
There are 38 scholarships available totaling $750 each to help off-set the costs.
If approved, a CNA student would only have to pay $200.
You also don't have to spend countless months in the classroom. Certifications can be obtained in as little as 4 weeks.
"4 weeks is not a lot of time," Frazee said. " It's a very fast-paced training program but it really kick starts a brand new career for people. It's a great career pathway for those interested in the health care industry."
Scholarship applicants are required to submit a 500-1,000 word essay in order to be considered for the $750 scholarship.
The scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The next CNA training class begins June 1.
To apply for the scholarship, click here.
For more information on the CNA training program, click here.
