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Photo credit: Northwestern

Kiana Smith and Austin Garcia are among the employee success stories of Northwestern Medicine’s Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program. Kiana transitioned from a security guard to a patient care technician, while Austin moved from a health unit coordinator to a PCT. After spending every Friday evening for four months with their classmates in classroom, lab and clinical instruction, both plan to pursue further nursing education, highlighting the program’s impact on career advancement and personal growth.

“We learned, we laughed and we cried, but most importantly, we endured every obstacle thrown our way. Take that drive with you into the next phase of your life and career. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you,” Kiana told the graduation cohort.

The Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program at Northwestern Medicine is designed to help Northwestern Medicine employees in nonclinical roles transition into PCT positions by earning a certified nursing assistant certification. This 16-week, no-cost program includes classroom, lab and clinical instruction and is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Graduates are eligible to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Certification Exam, which can lead to PCT roles and further nursing education. The program aims to address the nursing shortage by creating a pipeline to nursing careers.

“Your direction is more important than your speed, so don’t ever feel like you’re left behind. Go at your own pace,” Austin told his class during graduation ceremonies.

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