Academics-CNA Career Ladder

Georgia Health Care Association
C.N.A. Career Ladder

Contact:

Joanne Grubbs
Georgia Health Care Association
160 Country Club Drive
Stockbridge, GA 30281

678-289-6555

Mission Statement

The Georgia C.N.A. Career Ladder was developed in response to the critical shortage of nursing personnel, particularly those employed in long-term care facilities. The program provides experienced C.N.A.s with access to an educational development pathway leading to specialty certificates and/or Licensed Practical Nursing; as well as apprenticeship certification.

CNA Career Ladder Flowchart (PDF)

Eligibility-

CNA minimum of six months of work experience and supervisor recommendation o No records of disciplinary actions of any kind within the last six months
Completion of “Determine if Online Training is for You”- www.gvtc.org click on “tell me how”
Submission of a fully completed GHCA CNA Career Ladder Enrollment Packet which includes the following: (links)

FAX cover sheet for Enrollment Packet

C.N.A. Career Ladder Program Application- completed by CNA

C.N.A. Career Ladder Program Criteria/Screening Form – completed by Administrator/ Designee

USDL Apprenticeship Agreement- completed by CNA (section A only)

HOPE Disclaimer Form -- completed by CNA

Copy of CNA's registry card

Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form (if needed)

Transcript Request Form

Credit Experiential Learning Form to receive credit for the CHA 100 Course

GTC Application Form

Once Accepted into the Career Ladder--

Review the Griffin Technical College Online Technology hardware requirements
Complete Hope Grant on line at www.GAcollege411.org note: must re-apply for Hope Grant Spring quarter of each year

Phase I- Career Ladder Curriculum & Competency Check Lists

Compass Exam- Applicants must take the Compass exam and have their scores filed with the Griffin Tech Admissions office prior to registering for classes. Students may take the Compass exam at Griffin Tech or at the Butts County center campus. Applicants also have the option of taking the exam at their nearest technical college campus. However a nominal fee will be charged if the exam is taken at another college. When scheduling the exam, applicants should email the name of the college campus and contact person at the college to Annie Tucker, atucker@griffintech.edu. Applicants should also tell the college they are testing for the CNA Career Ladder at Griffin Tech; and sign a release form authorizing the release of Compass scores to Annie Tucker, Griffin Technical College, 501 Varsity Road, Griffin, GA 30223. Scores must be an official copy in a sealed envelope.
Griffin Technical Courses-

AHS 109 Medical Terminology (Competency Check List)
AHS 104 Introduction to Healthcare (Competency Check List)
PSY 1010 Basic Psychology (Competency Check List)
Check Lists are to be completed upon completion of each course and serve as a link between the course curriculum and the CNA’s on the job training/ apprenticeship program. Completed check lists should be retained in the CNA’s employment file at the nursing center with copies faxed to GDOL c/o Gloria Kusmik.
Upon completion of the three courses outlined above & experiential credit for CNA 100, CNA will receive a Certificate of Completion in Patient Care Assisting from Griffin Technical College.
Each participant will receive 500 hours On the Job Training credit for six months of current employment.
Participant must complete an additional 500 hours of On the Job Training and successfully demonstrate skills on the Competency Check List to fulfill the requirements for Phase I.
Upon completion of Phase I, a title change is recommended to “CNA Advanced Practice” along with a .25 per hour pay increase.

Decision- A CNA may decide to apply for the LPN program at a local technical school or college based on success during phase I, or decide to continue in the GHCA CNA Career Ladder and advance CNA career training by pursuing a specialty area certification.

Phase II- Career Ladder Curriculum & Competency Check Lists

Select at least ONE - Advanced Specialty Area of Study – 36 hours each Specialty Classes will be offered by GHCA at intervals through out the year based upon enrollment and taught by qualified healthcare professionals within the GHCA membership.

Restorative (Competency Check List)
Course availability PENDING

Skin Care (Competency Check List)
Course available Winter 2010

Dementia (Competency Check List)
Course availability PENDING

Nutrition (Competency Check List)
Course availability PENDING

Phase II generally takes six months(1000 hours OJT). Phase II includes attendance at Advanced Specialty classroom training and successful demonstration of skills included in the Competency Check List.
Upon completion of Phase II, CNA will receive a Certificate of Completion from the USDOL Apprenticeship Program, a title change to reflect “CNA Advanced Practice w/ Specialty”, and a .25 per hour pay increase.