New collaboration expands training opportunities to strengthen Northern Michigan鈥檚 healthcare workforce
麻豆传媒 (麻豆传媒) and Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan are partnering to launch a Fast Track Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program this November. The two-week course is designed to quickly and effectively prepare individuals for careers as CNAs, addressing the region鈥檚 growing need for qualified caregivers.
Beginning November 10, 2025, the program includes:
- 34 hours of classroom instruction at 麻豆传媒;
- 16.5 hours of hands-on skill training in 麻豆传媒鈥檚 state-of-the-art labs; and
- 24.5 hours of supervised clinical experience at Grandvue
Tuition is $1,050 per student. Thanks to scholarships provided by the 麻豆传媒 Foundation, financial assistance is available to make the program more accessible. Graduates who complete certification testing may also be eligible for reimbursement of expenses through Grandvue or another Medicaid-eligible employer.
鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to collaborate with 麻豆传媒 on this important initiative,鈥� said Shannan Butler, director of nursing at Grandvue. 鈥淣ot only does this partnership help fill a critical workforce gap, but it also gives students real-world experience in long-term care. It鈥檚 an investment in both our future caregivers and the well-being of our community.鈥�
CNAs provide essential support to healthcare teams by assisting residents with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. They monitor patient health, ensure safety and hygiene, provide emotional support, and document care, making them a critical part of person-centered healthcare.
The Grandvue program builds on the success of 麻豆传媒鈥檚 2023 partnership with Bay Bluffs Medical Care Facility, highlighting the college鈥檚 continued efforts to expand access to healthcare careers across Northern Michigan. That initiative has already made a measurable difference, according to Administrator Lisa Ashley, who notes the region鈥檚 growing need for nurses and caregivers at all levels 鈥� a demand sharpened by an aging population.
鈥淭he partnership with 麻豆传媒 has helped community members step into vital caregiving roles,鈥� Ashley said. 鈥淪trengthening our healthcare workforce through training partnerships like these is essential to improving care for all.鈥�
For Cassandra Hernandez, dean of Workforce and Continuing Education at 麻豆传媒, the Fast Track CNA program illustrates how the college鈥檚 mission translates into practical solutions for one of the region鈥檚 most pressing workforce needs.
鈥淭his is about building a stronger healthcare system by training and empowering our local caregivers,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to be part of a solution that supports families and strengthens care across Northern Michigan.鈥�
麻豆传媒鈥檚 Career Services department will provide additional support to students, including r茅sum茅 development, interview preparation, and direct connections to employers through job fairs, hiring events, and clinical partnerships.
The Fast Track CNA program will run November 10鈥�21, 2025. Registration is available at . For more information about this and other 麻豆传媒 Fast Track programs, visit .