Have you ever felt the need to upskill? Robert (Robbie) Minton of Oakwood described that feeling as a “primal instinct.” He simply knew it was time to do the next thing toward career advancement.
Robbie was working as a clerk at Appalachian Family Care in Vansant when the need arose to upskill. He learned about a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) program that Southwest Regional Adult Education (SRAE) was offering at the Buchanan County Career, Technology, and Higher Learning Center.
Robbie felt that this CNA program, which was tuition-free for participants and offered classes three evenings each week, seemed a good fit for a working individual. Robbie completed the application process and was accepted into the program which began on April 12 and ran through June 23, 2021.
Robbie experienced much success in the program earning certifications in CPR & AED training, Northstar Digital Literacy’s five categories of Essential Computer Skills, and Virginia’s REVIVE! training for opioid overdose reversal using NARCAN® (Naloxone) Nasal Spray. He also completed 40 hours of clinical training at Heritage Hall in Grundy. Robbie expressed that his biggest challenge in the program was time management as he was a working student with a family. He successfully overcame this challenge by improving his time management and planning skills.
Robbie found the best aspects of the program to be the low cost, the experience gained, the teachers, and the skills and lessons learned. Robbie commented, “They paid for everything including a background check, drug test, uniforms, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and PPE (personal protective equipment). In the program, he brushed up on his resume writing and job interview skills and considered the mock job interview he participated in to be a beneficial experience. He stated, “I know now how important job training is for career advancement.” When asked about valuable lessons learned in the CNA program, Robbie shared, “Learning from the ground level and understanding all the tasks that make a facility operate successfully makes a great employee.” Another takeaway he noted was, “Prior planning prevents poor performance, and actions speak louder than words.” Robbie said he enjoyed watching his classmates have a sense of joy and excitement about helping others. He further stated, “Struggling adults need this program more than they know.”
Robbie took and passed his CNA state board exam on September 4, 2021. He continues his work at Appalachian Family Care in his new role as a CNA. Robbie looks toward the future with a desire to continue his education in nursing with a weekend RN program offered by Virginia Highlands Community College.
SRAE congratulates Robert (Robbie) Minton on his successful completion of the CNA program! Instructors for the class were Beth Matney, RN; Tammy Ratliff, LPN; Charles Boyd, and Dwight Lester.
For more information about Integrated Education & Training (IET) programs in the region, contact Southwest Regional Adult Education at 276-889-5424.