NICC Calmar to offer CNA nursing class

NICC Calmar will be offering two classes to help people become Certified Nurse Aides.  CNA professionals provide care for patients in hospitals, clinics, assisted living and long term care facilities and nursing homes.

Because NICC wants all of its students to succeed academically and professionally, the college implemented the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training strategy (I-BEST) into targeted non-credit CNA certification classes that will be offered several times a year. The I-BEST model will supplement current instruction by providing additional learning supportsfor students. 

I-BEST instructors Carl Fethiere  and Jim Tranel will assist CNA students at the Calmar classes and at other classes throughout northeast Iowa.  As adult literacy instructors, Fethiere and Tranel will assess students before and after the CNA course to evaluate growth in reading and math and will participate in the classroom with the lead CNA instructor to supplement students' basic education skills. I-BEST instructors through the NICC program will also be available for additional tutoring and assistance outside of class.

This unique I-BEST approach, which was pioneered by educators in Washington State, allows NICC to offer more comprehensive, personalized training for students as they learn subject matter. By having an additional adult literacy educator present in class while the lead instructor teaches the core health care and CNA curriculum, students will gain an academic advantage in their studies.

The $12,695,959 federal grant provides funding for the consortium's B2HC program that will support workers in obtaining the necessary knowledge, skills and credentials to achieve well-paying employment in health fields.

The NICC Calmar Campus classes will be offered September 4th and again on October 22nd.  To register for I-BEST CNA courses at the Calmar campus, call (800) 728-2256, extension 399.