Monroe- Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) has recently been designated as a Certified Nurse Aides (CNA) test provider in Louisiana. This is a significant development, considering there was previously only one out-of-state provider. Naturally, delays and complications pose challenges for aspiring CNAs due to distance and time zone differences. This change addresses a critical barrier for students pursuing CNA careers, ensuring better access to certification exams and facilitating entry into the healthcare system, which is in dire need of skilled professionals.
Antonio Hearn, Bastrop campus director, explains, "Dr. Wendi Palermo, Chief Education & Training Officer at Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), collaborated with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to empower LCTCS to establish an alternative testing system, overseen by LDCC and LCTCS and executed by various institutions within the system."
CNA students are not the only benefactors in this move; healthcare facilities that need certification for employees and any individual in Louisiana seeking certification can do so at LDCC's Monroe, West Monroe, Bastrop, or Winnsboro Campuses. "Our purpose for existing is to remove barriers and serve our community. This allows LDCC to do just that by creating a clearer, locally centered path into the healthcare profession," shares Dr. Randy Esters, chancellor at LDCC.
Louisiana Delta Community College offers a Career and Technical Certificate in CNA. It is a six-hour credit program and prepares students for the state certification. Detailed information can be found at www.ladelta.edu. For testing information, visit www.ladelta.edu/CNAtesting.