Simply Healthcare Funds Scholarships for Miami Dade College Certified Nurse Assistant Program During Summer Cohort

MIAMI , April 29 /Businesswire/ - Simply Healthcare Plans (Simply Healthcare), a leading provider of Medicaid and Medicare solutions in Florida, is announcing life-changing opportunities for South Florida residents who aspire to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The healthcare organization has partnered with Miami Dade College (MDC) to offer full scholarships for the summer cohort of the college’s Certified Nurse Assistant program. Registration and scholarship applications for the opportunity join a high-demand career field are now open through mid-May for two summer classes that will begin June 1 and June 11, 2024, respectively.

"Simply Healthcare remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering the health and prosperity of Floridians, while revolutionizing healthcare across our state," said Dana Gryniuk, Medicaid President of Simply Healthcare Plans. "This latest Simply Healthcare initiative is designed to amplify Florida’s medical workforce capabilities. By increasing access to specialized training, we empower the next generation of healthcare practitioners, enabling them to not only enhance patient care, but also bolster their personal economic stability."

The need for CNAs in Florida has reached critical levels as the state’s population ages and comorbidities become more prevalent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that approximately 174,000 job openings will be posted for CNAs each year in Florida and that Florida has one of the highest demands for CNAs – second only to California. By funding scholarships that make CNA career opportunities accessible, Simply Healthcare is not only helping Florida strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals needed to keep up with demand, but it is also playing a crucial role in enhancing the quality of healthcare services throughout the state.

“We are grateful for the generous support Simply Healthcare has provided to equip aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants with the educational opportunities they need to succeed in healthcare careers and to meet the critical staffing needs in our state’s healthcare facilities,” said Miami Dade College President, Madeline Pumariega. “This program paves the way for workforce mobility and meets the urgent staffing needs of Florida’s healthcare facilities.”

CNAs play a critical role in the healthcare ecosystem by providing hands-on, intimate care to patients under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). CNAs assist patients with direct healthcare needs and activities of daily living such as bathing, ambulating and checking vital signs. MDC’s CNA program provides students with the basic nursing care skills needed to prepare for the state exam and work with patients according to predefined guidelines. MDC’s 120-hour CNA program emphasizes training in fundamental patient care skills. This includes monitoring vital signs, maintaining accurate documentation, understanding body mechanics, managing daily patient care and learning basic medical terminology.

The first round of Simply Healthcare CNA scholarships for MDC students were awarded to 28 students attending Spring 2024 classes. Simply Healthcare’s funding has made another round of CNA scholarships for MDC students planning to attend the program’s summer cohort. These scholarships cover the full cost of tuition as well as books/supplies, uniforms, CPR certification, state testing fees and transportation to classes.

To learn more about MDC’s CNA program and apply for a Simply Healthcare scholarship visit the Certified Nursing Assistant page on MDC’s website at https://ce.mdc.edu/.

ABOUT SIMPLY HEALTHCARE PLANS

Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc., is a Florida managed healthcare plan that serves Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members in the state of Florida. In addition, Simply Healthcare, through a line of business called Clear Health Alliance, also serves Florida Medicaid members who are living with HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to provide healthcare and related services that are comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Each and every day, members of our team can be found in Florida communities, listening to our members, interacting with our healthcare providers and partnering with community-based organizations. Our goal is to ensure members and entire communities are empowered to become active participants in their healthcare and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Simply Healthcare, visit www.simplyhealthcareplans.com.

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