ISU to offer video-based CNA course

After nine months of planning, Idaho State University Workforce Training, in cooperation with The Hospital Cooperative (THC), is offering a video based Certificated Nursing Assistants (CNA) course. The first course started Feb. 20 with nine students in the course.

Three students from Caribou County are all attending classes via distance learning while six students from Pocatello attend classes at the THC offices.

This collaboration began in May 2007 when Jon Smith, Executive Director of the Hospital Cooperative (THC) contacted Workforce Training about the potential to collaborate on conducting video-based CNA courses. Various options were presented by Workforce Training staff members and a start date for the new course was set.

“THC is excited to partner with ISU on this project. The end result will be quality CNAs for Caribou Memorial Hospital and the proof that video-based training can be as effective as that delivered in a face-to-face environment. We are fortunate to have great partners in Caribou Memorial Hospital and Idaho State University,” said Jon Smith.

The video-based CNA course teaches didactic components via distance technology with learning laboratory practice and clinical occurring at the student’s local community hospital site. Exams and assignments are submitted via the web. Cheryl DenHartog, Health Programs Manager for Workforce Training explains, “The purpose of this class is to provide cost effective training for nurses in rural settings that will free up local Registered Nurses so they may complete their job responsibilities without the additional time commitments of teaching CNA’s in their local community.”

“Cheryl DenHartog is to be commended for her efforts in recruiting the students to make the program run,” comments Joe Fleishman, Director of Workforce Training, “Workforce Training strives to meet the needs of our citizens and is responsive to requests we receive from companies and organizations throughout our region. Through THC we expect to be soon offering these classes to other rural area hospitals.”

Workforce Training provides short-term training in a variety of areas, including computers, business, health care, apprenticeships in the building trades, and professional development to provide youth and adults with technical skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for successful performance in a highly effective workplace.

The Hospital Cooperative, headquartered in Pocatello, is a network of 13 not-for-profit hospitals in southeastern Idaho and western Wyoming. With public and private support, THC operates the Cooperative Telehealth Network to deliver educational and clinical services to rural areas using state-of-the-art telenetworking technologies.

For more information on the CNA course and other courses being offered contact Workforce Training at 208-282-3372.