Temple College recently relaunched its CNA training program in response to the demand for healthc... Temple College recently relaunched its CNA training program in response to the demand for healthcare workers and requests from local employers.Temple College has received a $50,000 grant from Aetna Better Health of Texas that will fully fund the training of 30 Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs). With a shared goal of increasing the number of qualified healthcare workers in the Temple area, Temple College and Aetna have teamed up to increase training for additional CNAs at no cost to the students. CNAs play a vital role in providing care to older adults and individuals with disabilities living at home or in long-term care settings.

Temple College recently relaunched its CNA training program in response to the demand for healthcare workers and requests from local employers. “Many of us know from personal experience how amazing CNAs are and just how much they mean to our loved ones. It is our honor to partner with Aetna on this great opportunity,” said DeDe Griffith, Vice President of Workforce Development for the college.

The grant will enable Temple College to offer full scholarships to 30 students seeking CNA training in 2022-2023. The scholarships will target individuals who wish to pursue a career supporting older adults or persons with disabilities, especially those with experience working in home or long-term care settings. The four-month program is offered through the college’s Business and Continuing Education Division.

“Our collaboration with Temple College will help support the healthcare needs of communities in Texas,” said Stephanie Rogers, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Texas. “CNAs are vital to our healthcare system and ability to care for those in our most vulnerable communities. Training additional CNAs will help people needing care at home receive the services that allow them to remain independent and living in their communities.”

Each scholarship will cover all costs of completing CNA training and certification, including books, tuition, CPR course, background check, uniform, supplies and the state licensing exam.

The next Certified Nurse Aide class is scheduled to begin January 29 and run through May 7, 2022. It will be held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, or to register, call 254-298-8625 or email bce@templejc.edu.