New health care program in Bradenton-Sarasota offers guaranteed employment

A new training program with guaranteed employment for eligible participants in the Bradenton-Sarasota region is available for those interested in a health care career.

Thanks to an anonymous donor from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Tidewell Hospice, the American Red Cross and CareerEdge are offering a free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program for those who would like to work in health care but can’t afford the training.

The costs of tuition and the state examination fee will be covered for those chosen for the program. Participants will be responsible for their medical exam and the purchase of scrubs.

Those who successfully complete the training program will be guaranteed employment at Approved Home Health or Tidewell Hospice, with wages starting between $12 and $13 per hour.

The program will run Jan. 22-March 31, 2018, with classes held from 5-9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays (there also will be two mandatory Saturday classes) at the American Red Cross office, 2001 Cantu Court, Sarasota.

Applicants must pass a Level 2 background check per Florida health care regulations, submit to a motor vehicle record search and provide proof of auto insurance.

Prospective participants are invited to attend one of three information sessions: 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Dec. 28 at Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota, and 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Jan. 4 at Tidewell, 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Those interested are asked to RSVP for the information sessions at cnascholarships.eventbrite.com.

This story was originally published December 11, 2017 at 11:40 AM with the headline "New health care program in Bradenton-Sarasota offers guaranteed employment."