Prerequisite: To be eligible for the Health Occupations program, you must be at least 16 years old by October 15th of the attending school year. You'll also need to complete a State Bureau of Identification (SBI) background check and provide proof of current school required immunizations in addition to current vaccinations for hepatitis B, influenza, varicella (2), and a tuberculosis screening clearance.

Take your first step into the rewarding world of healthcare with our Health Occupations program. This comprehensive one-year offering prepares you for certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) while providing a strong foundation for a wide range of healthcare careers.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice, and real-world clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities, you'll develop the essential technical skills and professional qualities needed for success in this field. The curriculum aligns with Maine's CNA standards, ensuring you gain competencies in areas like patient care fundamentals, safety and infection control, medical procedures, and emergency response. Beyond the hard skills, you'll also explore themes of healthcare ethics, empathy, communication, and workplace collaboration - qualities that are just as vital for thriving in this people-focused industry.

Upon completion of the program, you'll be eligible to sit for the state CNA competency exam, opening the door to immediate full-time or part-time employment opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical offices, and more. Nevertheless, the Health Occupations program offers more than just CNA certification - it provides a springboard for advanced healthcare education, giving you a valuable head start whether your goals include nursing, medical assisting, or another specialized healthcare path. So, if you have a passion for helping others, the ability to maintain patient dignity, and a commitment to professionalism, consider joining us in this rewarding and in-demand field.  With the right combination of maturity, responsibility, and compassion, this program can set you on an exciting journey towards a fulfilling healthcare career.