CareerEdge Establishes Tuition Free Certified Nurse Assistant FastTrack with Suncoast Technical College

March 28, 2023 – Sarasota

CareerEdge is partnering with Suncoast Technical College (STC) to offer a free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) fast-track program which will launch in May. The workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, CareerEdge, continuously seeks innovative programs and techniques to support local businesses. In this most recent partnering, CareerEdge and STC address a major national issue, the nursing shortage, in a local way. This effort supports the academic institution’s mission to help prepare the next generation of nurses while providing an opportunity for community businesses to upskill their non-certified healthcare employees.  

The curriculum for this opportunity will be a condensed version of STC’s Certified Nursing Assistant program. The tuition-free FastTrack begins May 2, 2023, and runs through June 14, 2023, with classes held Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at STC’s main campus, 4748 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL 34233.  Additionally, Sarasota Memorial Hospital will host the participants for Clinical trainings during the first two weeks of June from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. which enhances the real-world nature of their education. The program will also include CareerEdge’s Bridges to Careers soft skills training where participants learn additional aspects of professionalism.

Interested applicants need to apply for the free program and interview with CareerEdge staff.  Those selected will be notified. Eligibility requirements include a background and drug test prior to starting the training, must be a Sarasota or Manatee County resident, and apply by Monday, April 17. This is a tuition-free training funded by CareerEdge, also covers two sets of scrubs, a stethoscope, and shoes for each participant. Participants are responsible for paying for their certification exam fee and fingerprint testing, reimbursable upon passing exam. Participants must also complete a medical clearance, provide proof of certain immunizations, and are responsible for covering expenses associated with these steps. No technical experience is required for this training. The program is limited to only 15 participants. For more information go to https://careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers/ 

Funding for the program is made possible by CareerEdge Funders Collaborative and the generous support from its funders and with the support of the local health care business community.