Waimea Resilience Hub Offering CNA Training Scholarships

Waimea Resilience Hub is accepting full scholarship applications for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training by the Hawaii Institute of Healthcare & Training Services (HIHTS). HIHTS is a State-recognized professional development program in Hilo since 2004. Four scholarships are available on a first come basis for qualified applicants.

“CNAs play a vital role in assisting patients with daily living activities. They provide nursing care and related services to meet the personal needs and comfort of patients, and record and communicate medical data to the medical staff. The goal of HIHTS CNA training is to provide essential education and skills for a safe, efficient and sensitive role as an entry level caregiver. This training can open up employment opportunities ranging from home healthcare to hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, doctor’s offices and hospice,” said Waimea Resilience Hub Coordinator Lauren Avery.

HIHTS’ CNA training runs eight weeks with the next daytime class from April 12 to June 4 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. The next HIHTS evening class runs from May 10 to July 26 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 7:30 pm.

Applicants must be 18+ years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be, or become certified in First Aid and CPR. Also required to enter the program will be a physical exam, negative Covid test, a panel of vaccinations, current flu shot and drug screening. Scholarship candidates must exemplify compassion, good communication skills, patience and a commitment to completing the program and applying for a CNA position.

HIHTS CNA training usually costs about $1,500 per person, including tuition, textbook and the First Aid and CPR Certification. The required physical exam, vaccinations, and drug screening, are not included.

“We’re excited to offer these scholarships to highlight an opportunity for those in our community looking for work and those wanting a career change into the healthcare field. There are a wide variety of healthcare positions available, that, with training, offer steady employment with good pay and benefits while contributing to the well-being of others,” said Avery.

For more information, contact Lauren Avery (808) 371-2502 or email lavery1@hawaii.rr.com. For more about HIHTS CNA training: http://www.hihts.org/certified-nursing-assistant-cna.html

Waimea Resilience Hub was launched in September 2020 by a team of Waimea volunteers as part of a growing island wide network of hubs inspired and supported by Vibrant Hawai’i in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with a recognized need to be better prepared for natural and man-made emergencies.

The CNA Scholarship fund is a partnership with the Hawaii Institute of Healthcare and Training Services, Vibrant Hawaii and the Waimea Resilience Hub.