New opportunities include CNA course, MAC program, and tuition assistance

Words by Terrell Manasco | Image by Al Blanton

One morning at work, your boss says they need to talk to you about an opportunity. He/she tells you they’d like to see you excel in your line of work and ultimately earn higher wages, which will require a few weeks of training and a certification. Sounds pretty good, you think, but how much will it cost me? Nothing, your boss says. The company will pay for your training. 

Medical employees at Ridgeview and Ridgewood Health Services now have several opportunities to do just that. “During the pandemic, every state has an emergency CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) course,” says Matt Cornelius, Chief Operating Officer of Kelly Health Services, the parent company of Ridgeview and Ridgewood Health Services in Jasper. “Outside the pandemic, it's a two-week course, but right now, we can train individuals to become certified nursing assistants in eight-hour courses.”

Certified CNAs will then have additional opportunities to continue their training, thanks to the new MAC (Medication Assistant Certification) program, available in a three week-course. Cornelius says this “career pathway to success” offers paid on-the-job training at no expense to employees and will create new opportunities in the workplace. 

“Over the last year, the Alabama Board of Nursing passed a new rule that allows for the medication assistant certification for our CNAs,” he says. “Once they demonstrate they have the skills and abilities to work in healthcare and meet other necessary criteria, they can apply to earn their medication assistant certification. We will train them and test and certify them at no cost. The program allows them to have upward mobility, earn higher wages, and perform different tasks than they would normally do. They work under the direction of a licensed nurse and can administer medications per the rules of the ABN.”

CNAs who excel in the MAC program can extend their upward mobility through a tuition assistance program for nursing. “As you show compassion and care for our people and set a good example as an employee, you can apply,” Cornelius says. “If we approve your application, we will pay for you to go to Bevill State to become a nurse. We just ask that you work for us two years after you graduate.”

Those interested in learning more about these programs may contact Ridgeview Health Services at (205) 221-9111 or Ridgewood Health Services at (205) 221-4862. 78