OCTC hosting open house for mobile classroom and new CNA program
An open house event was held on Thursday to showcase the program. The program includes 30 hours of in-class instruction and 16 hours of clinical instruction.
OCTC normally provides eight-week CNA classes throughout the year, but officials say this course is another way to help address the healthcare workforce shortage. The program is scheduled to begin on July 7.
LaTasha Shemwell, program coordinator at OCTC said the project is a great way to support HealthForce Kentucky's efforts in the region, while providing another opportunity for residents in Daviess, Ohio, McLean and Hancock counties to obtain CNA certification.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
15 hours ago
- Associated Press
Strengthening Healthcare Through Local Career Development
By Kim Borges MacKenzie Thompson was sitting in class when she heard the call to action. Immediately, she knew. This was an opportunity too promising not to seize. 'There was an intercom announcement at school to meet at lunchtime if we were interested,' she said. 'I remember rushing home to tell my mom all about it. Then, we started praying.' Limited slots, pangs of self-doubt, a car accident – it hasn't been easy the past three years. But Thompson's resounding faith and family support network have overcome them all. 'It's already been ordained, so ain't no sense in worrying about it,' she said. 'When something is meant for you, it's meant for you.' The something meant for Thompson? Hire Local, a workforce program connecting people living across Shelby County, Tennessee, with training, education and employment opportunities in Memphis's Medical District. In the spring of 2023, Thompson was accepted into Hire Local's Career Launch Academy out of high school. She began earning her certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification that summer working at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, an MMDC program partner. While the training is fast-tracked, the program's goal is to launch long-term medical careers. The best part? Students pay no tuition and earn wages while they learn. The same year Thompson entered the program, the Regions Foundation, a nonprofit primarily funded by Regions Bank, first supported Hire Local. And this April, the Foundation presented the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC), which conducts the program, with a second grant for $30,000. 'Hire Local is connecting people like MacKenzie who are passionate about entering the medical field with skilled training and employment right in their neighborhood,' said Marta Mendes-Miguel Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. 'This program addresses two of the most important needs any community has – the health of people and families living in it and the vitality of its workforce.' Since its founding just four years ago, Hire Local is already making a positive impact across Memphis. This program addresses two of the most important needs any community has – the health of people and families living in it and the vitality of its Mendes-Miguel Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation 'Funding from our community partners like the Regions Foundation is enabling us to design and deliver innovative workforce solutions grounded in industry best practices, evidence-informed strategies, and address the needs of our local talent base,' said Latasha Harris, MMDC's senior director of Workforce Strategies. 'It's also strengthening our internal capacity to drive meaningful outcomes, which is more vital than ever.' Thompson met Harris the day she heard that announcement charting her professional path. The two quickly established a bond. 'Tasha is the true definition of a mentor,' she said. 'She really wants to know how you're doing. She's very hands on, even when I don't know I need it. She's like my 'check engine' light.' 'MacKenzie is resilient, insightful and determined,' Harris added. 'I've seen her become much more confident and articulate since joining the program. She's also developed strong leadership skills.' Skills put to the test before Thompson ever entered Le Bonheur's doors. 'I was counting down how many days until class started and was so excited,' she recalled. 'I went out and bought brand-new scrubs, thinking, 'This is going to be so much fun.'' And then, shortly before Thompson's training began, bam! A car accident left her without transportation. But remember that unwavering faith and support network? 'My mom said, 'I'll take you every day,'' Thompson recalled. 'Everything just worked out perfectly. This is for me because God worked it out.' Worked it out, indeed. More than two years later, Thompson continues to work as a CNA in the cardiac unit at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, a role she says perfectly suits her. 'I'm kind of a kid at heart, so pediatrics have my heart,' she said. 'Our babies are critical. You build strong connections with families going through that.' And thanks to another Hire Local partnership, Thompson is also working on advancing her nursing career at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. The program helps students earn and learn their way up the career ladder with a success coach, tuition assistance and other benefits. Thompson completed pre-requisite coursework for the licensed practical nursing program in June and will dive into her core classes in September. 'I'm really excited about that,' she said. Something else that excites Thompson? Sharing Hire Local's value with others. Thompson recently joined Harris to promote the program on a local television station and spoke to this summer's cohort, things she never dreamed she'd do years ago. 'I had so much fun being on the news,' she said. 'My mama just kept watching it over and over and my little brother loves telling me how proud he is of me. I would've never done that had I not known the Hire Local team. This program has given me more opportunities to put myself out there.' I think life is just too short to not be doing what you love to do. This is what God wanted me to Thompson While she's not exactly certain what the future holds, Thompson is confident it will work out just as everything else has. And she's beyond grateful to Harris and Hire Local for helping her make it happen. 'You don't have to go into debt to do what you want to do,' Thompson said. 'I love what I do, and I want to love what I do when I'm 50, 60, 70. I think life is just too short to not be doing what you love to do. This is what God wanted me to do.' Amen. Beyond the Stipend: In addition to financial support, Hire Local provides students with additional resources, including: About Regions Foundation:The Alabama-based Region Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank. To learn more about the Regions Foundation visit Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Regions Bank
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
HSHS St. Mary's supports nursing staff through in-house, paid certification training
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – For over 100 years, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center has supported its local talent. In turn, they reinforce their hospital staff. St. Mary runs a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) school in-house, offering paid training for employees who want to start a career in health care. Fond du Lac comes together to celebrate Hometown Heroes at Bratfest 'I lead our HSHS St. Mary's CNA school, so it's a certified nursing assistant training program that we hold here in Green Bay at St. Mary's Hospital,' said Clinical Nurse Educator Morgan Wolfgram. 'We teach them the essential skills and provide them with the knowledge to take care of patients within our hospital walls.' The program is structured so that students are hired by the hospital, trained on-site, and placed into jobs on the floor immediately after finishing the course. 'Students are employed and start on the floor, then they transition to a position with St. Mary's CNA school. We teach them and then they transition right back to the floor and have a job right away — so that's one of our perks of the program,' Wolfgram said. Shelby Michaels, a current CNA student, said the program is both intense and rewarding. 'It's been an intense first week, but I've learned a lot,' Michaels said. 'But I've been doing this for the last six years, so it feels like a refresher — but more of an in-depth and very knowledgeable refresher.' What stood out most to her was the hospital's investment in the students. 'They have the CNA school right in-house; they're giving you the opportunity for you to go — paying for it,' Michaels said. 'There's so much opportunity just within this hospital alone that I feel other people should experience.' For Eric Warrichaiet, a CNA who graduated from the program and now works at St. Mary's, the training was a turning point. 'I was looking for a career to make a difference and to help people,' he said. 'So I researched the program, got into the program, and now I'm here.' That support doesn't end after certification. 'They help you sign up to get your state license afterwards, and after that, they give you a follow-up,' Warrichaiet said. 'It's awesome. You have a lot of support. And CNA school — it's not the end. So if you're looking to advance, you have support through that.' Wisconsin State Troopers team up with kids for 'Cops & Bobbers' event in Marquette County As Wisconsin's population ages, the demand for caregivers is only expected to rise. The Wisconsin Hospital Association says residents over 65 make up about 20% of the state's population, but account for about 40% of hospital and clinic visits. That demand is growing faster than the health care workforce can keep up. With St. Mary's celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, Clinical Nurse Educator Morgan Wolfgram says the CNA school is a continuation of a mission that goes back more than a century. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
CWD surveillance measures in effect for three KY counties
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Officials say new Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance measures are now in effect for Henderson, Union and Webster counties, following the detection of CWD in a deer harvested just across the Ohio River in Posey County, Indiana. Officials with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) say, in response, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a CWD Surveillance Zone for the three counties, expanding the state's existing surveillance area, which includes Ballard, Breckinridge, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hardin, Hickman, Marshall, Meade and McCracken counties. The zone brings specific regulations to help limit the spread of the disease among deer. Board approves proposed tuition increases at Murray State, WKU Officials say these are the key regulations now in effect: Mandatory testing Hunters in Henderson, Union and Webster counties must bring deer harvested during the first three days of modern gun season, which is November 8 to 10, to a staffed check station or CWD Sample Drop-Off site for testing. Carcass transport limits Whole carcasses or high-risk parts from deer harvested in the zone cannot leave the three counties. Permitted items for transport include de-boned meat, clean skulls and teeth, antlers with or without a clean skull cap, hides and finished taxidermy mounts. Carcasses of deer harvested outside the zone may be brought in. Rehabilitation ban The rehabilitation of deer is prohibited within the surveillance zone. For the 2025–2026 deer season, under the authority of the commissioner, two key changes take effect in all counties that are designated within the CWD Surveillance Zone. According to officials, baiting is now allowed in all counties within the CWD Surveillance Zone, provided it is not distributed through contact feeders like troughs, funnels and gravity feeders without spreading capabilities. This change overrides the previous baiting ban, aiming to give hunters more opportunities to harvest deer while reducing deer densities. A statewide prohibition of feeding is still effective from March 1 through July 31. Also, feeding and baiting is illegal on all Wildlife Management Areas. Man identified after drowning in Pike County lake KDFWR says while permitted with limitations, baiting promotes unnatural congregation of deer, increasing the risk of CWD transmission through saliva, urine and feces from infected animals. Hunters should weigh this risk before choosing to bait. Officials also note to manage deer populations and improve disease monitoring, a special two-day antlerless-only gun season will be held on September 27 through 28, in all CWD Surveillance Zone counties. During this special season, hunters are required to drop off the head of harvested deer to a CWD Sample Drop-off site. Hunters may harvest any deer without visible antlers, including button bucks. However, no deer hunters—whether using firearms, bows or crossbows—may take an antlered buck in a CWD Surveillance Zone county during this weekend. Hunter orange requirements are in effect during this season. According to KDFWR, Chronic Wasting Disease is caused by abnormal proteins called prions and affects white-tailed deer, elk and other animals in the deer family. There is no known cure or vaccine, and the disease is always fatal in infected animals. The disease is not known to be transmissible to people, but as a precaution the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends not consuming meat from deer that test positive for the disease. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife always recommends not consuming meat taken from animals that appear to be sick or in poor condition. Lincoln State Park to close some facilities for dam repair Officials say hunters all across Kentucky are encouraged to submit samples through the CWD Sample Drop-Off sites or CWD Sample Mail-in Kits at any time during the hunting season. The test comes at no monetary cost to the hunter, and results are typically returned within four to six weeks. Back in February, there was a second positive case of CWD confirmed in Posey County. The infected, wild, white-tailed deer was a 2.5-year-old male harvested in Posey County. The deer was confirmed positive for CWD by two independent tests. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
