Have you ever considered a career in healthcare? Maybe as a kid you dreamed of one day becoming a doctor, but you haven’t thought much about it since. Or, maybe you are still weighing your options for a career path and nursing is at the top of the list. Whether you’re looking for a mid-career change, or you’re still planning for a future career after high school, there are endless possibilities with a career in healthcare.

But, how do you get started? Take a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course and become a CNA. As a CNA, you’ll be introduced to the rewarding field of healthcare while providing care to people with a wide range of health conditions. Once enrolled in the CNA course, you’ll have both classroom and clinical time, and the opportunity to gain real experience with patients. Coursework includes nursing skills, infection control, safety, resident rights, and more.  After successfully completing the 120 hour program and passing the competency exam, you’ll have the opportunity to work for a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, such as Dove Healthcare.

If you are a compassionate person with good communication skills, thrive on multi-tasking and working with people of varying abilities, and have an eye for detail, becoming a CNA may be the perfect fit for you. From there, the possibilities for your career in healthcare are truly endless. Whether you go on to become a certified medication aide or a registered nurse; or you decide to follow a different career path in healthcare all together, you’ll be grateful for your experience as a CNA.

Interested in becoming a CNA? Dove Healthcare offers CNA classes year-round in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. Learn more and apply online at dovehealthcare.com/CNAclass. Students must be at least 16 years of age to take the CNA class.

You can also pursue CNA training at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire. A three-credit nursing assistant technical diploma is offered starting in August, January, and June. According to CVTC, “This 120-hour course is a combination of classroom lecture, lab experience, and clinical practice conducted in long-term care facilities.” Learn more by going to cvtc.edu and entering “nursing assistant” into the search bar.