Healthcare Crisis pt. 2: Finding Healthcare Workers

In my last blog I did a brief overview of the myriad of reasons there is a lack of healthcare workers.

In each of my following entries I will dive deeper into these reasons: Lack of knowledge on what it takes to get started in a healthcare career.

Many people that would be a great fit for healthcare are not aware that there is no GED or HS diploma needed to get started in healthcare. Neither Certified Nurse Aide, Medication Aide or Home Health Aide require a diploma or GED, in fact in Kansas there is not even an age requirement for CNA or HHA. I have taught numerous 14 to 16-year-old students throughout the years, and many without any type of graduation certificate. Schools can impose requirements, but the state of Kansas has no education or age restrictions for CNA and HHA. Allied Health Career Training is an example of a school that does not impose such restrictions.

Another common misunderstanding is that one must apply for a class and take a test and then attend expensive classes for months. Again, it is up to the school on the enrollment process or the way the classes are scheduled and are priced. At Allied classes are fast, fun and affordable. A student can get either the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) or Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in less than a month, with only a total of three to six days on site. Sponsorships are readily available thus taking the cost of classes off the table.

So, whether you are 15 or 75 with a 7th grade education or a master’s degree, you can get a certification and be on the job in a healthcare setting in less than 30 days.

Come back next time when we take a closer look at immigration and healthcare.

Dianne Powell