For Elysha Thompson, the LincolnHealth Certified Nursing Apprenticeship Program came along at just the right time.

Thompson had wanted to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for years, but with a two-year-old, it was difficult to take time off from work for the three-month course. When she heard about a new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) apprenticeship program offered by LincolnHealth and Pen Bay Medical Center, however, everything fell into place.

“It was the perfect opportunity and the perfect timing,” said Thompson. “The opportunity to be paid while you learn was awesome.”

The CNA apprenticeship program is designed to make it easier for people to begin a career in healthcare. It is available to students in the LincolnHealth and Mid-Coast School of Technology Adult CNA classes.

Students must first be accepted into the CNA class and then apply separately for the apprenticeship program. People can also take the CNA class without applying for the program.

Thompson graduated with the first class of LincolnHealth apprentices June 16. The next LincolnHealth CNA class begins Sept. 13. Applications are due July 15.

CNAs provide much of the hands-on care in healthcare settings including long-term care facilities and hospitals. Many people become CNAs as a way of exploring the healthcare field.

Thompson said she loves working with people and she knows that becoming a CNA will open up doors for her.

“I want to be in a job I am going to love,” she said.

Eventually she hopes to work in a hospital and like several of her classmates she is also considering nursing school.

Taking the CNA course has given her confidence and it has also helped her care for her own family.

Thompson’s mother is currently in hospice care following a long battle with cancer. Thompson was able to teach her father how to transfer her mother to a wheelchair. Both of her parents are proud of her decision to become a CNA, she said

If you are interested in the LincolnHealth apprenticeship program or the CNA course starting Sept. 13, call the LincolnHealth Education Department at 563-4540.

Apprentice CNAs are paid $8.50 an hour while attending classes and also commit to working at long-term care facilities affiliated with either LincolnHealth or Pen Bay Medical Center for 18 months following graduation.

Although acceptance into the apprenticeship program does not guarantee employment after graduation, every effort is made to place graduates in jobs based on staffing needs and the apprentice’s qualifications. Class size is limited, so only a few applicants will be selected.

The apprenticeship program is a partnership of LincolnHealth, Pen Bay Medical Center, the Maine Department of Labor, Central Lincoln County Adult Education and the Mid-Coast School of Technology.