In Grays Harbor County, Certified Nursing Assistants (NA-Cs) are among the most in-demand professionals, crucial to providing quality care in our local healthcare facilities. Recognizing the urgent need for skilled NA-Cs and the financial barriers that many aspiring students face, the Grays Harbor College Foundation has launched a targeted initiative to support those pursuing this vital certification.
When the GHC Foundation’s Board of Directors learned that short-term training programs for Nursing Assistants are not covered by traditional state and federal financial aid, they took decisive action. Through a variety of scholarship funds and partnership with local foundation’s like the Kelsey Foundation, the Board established scholarships specifically for residents of Grays Harbor and Pacific County. These scholarships are designed to alleviate the out-of-pocket expenses associated with the Nursing Assistant – Certified (NA-C) program, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from entering this essential field.
“The NA-C certification is critical for meeting the healthcare needs of our community,” states Lisa J. Smith, Executive Director of the GHC Foundation. “By removing financial barriers, we are helping to prepare a new generation of healthcare professionals who will play a key role in enhancing the quality of care in our region.”
The NA-C program at GHC introduces students to fundamental nursing care, including resident rights, safety, and emergency procedures. It covers principles of therapeutic relationships, client care, and addresses the legal and ethical aspects of nursing assistant practice. The comprehensive program includes classroom lectures, hands-on lab work, and practical experience in a nursing home setting under the guidance of skilled instructors.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Washington State licensure exam for NA-C, positioning them to enter the workforce equipped with the necessary skills and credentials.
This initiative has already had a significant impact, with numerous scholarship recipients successfully completing their training and beginning careers as Certified Nursing Assistants. These new professionals are helping to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers in our community, contributing to better care for residents and supporting the overall well-being of our region.
The GHC Foundation remains dedicated to supporting the NA-C program and ensuring that more individuals have the opportunity to pursue this rewarding career. For those interested in supporting these scholarships or learning more about how the GHC Foundation is advancing healthcare education, please contact our office at 360-538-4024 or foundation@ghc.edu. Your support can help shape the future of healthcare in our community and provide essential care for those in need.
