Graduate Spotlight: Private Healthcare Provider Expands Career with CNA Certificate

After serving as a private caregiver for 12 years, Judy King wanted to expand her healthcare skills. 

“I wanted to get more education so that I could get “on the inside” and work on the facility side of healthcare,” said King. “I chose the College of Graduate and Professional Education (CGPE) at KSU because of its reputation and because my son went to school here. My goal was to learn medical procedures and how to protect myself and my clients.” 

Judy found those skills and more when she enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate. 

“The most valuable parts of the course for me were proper procedures, staying safe, proper cleaning technique, how to transfer residents, and even proper footwear,” said King. 

While the curriculum was important, King found the instructors to be the highlight of the CNA course, especially for adult learners. 

“Getting back into the habit of studying was the biggest challenge, but the instructors were not intimidating and really made the classroom environment comfortable,” said King. “They are knowledgeable, experienced, and gave us lots of examples of what to do and not do. We even learned what to say and how to speak with patients. I was impressed with the professionalism of the instructors. We could ask them anything; no question was too silly. They added a lot to the curriculum, which was interesting and challenging.” 

King credits the Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate with helping her find a job she loves. 

“The CNA course was very thorough in teaching me how to work in an assisted living facility,” said King. “I was hired based on the fact that I was a CNA. This course prepared me to not only learn the material, but to be an excellent CNA. My work has been so flexible with me.I work in the activities department as well, so I actually have two roles at my job.” 

Because the CNA Certificate can lead to many possibilities, King encourages anyone who is thinking about the healthcare field to enroll in the course. 

If you’re thinking about taking the course, just do it,” said King. “Even if you don’t go on to be a CNA, you can use what you learn to care for a family member or even go on to nursing school. No matter your goal for the course, my advice is to really study the material. Everything you learn, you will use. I’ve gone back to my materials to reference in my work, and I’ve used just about everything.”