Kane Employees Climbing the Career Ladder

The Kane Community Living Centers are offering a career ladder for all employees and even non-employees who would like to join the organization after completing the CNA course and passing the certification test. Here are some ways to benefit from the program.

CNAs – Kane offers CNA training through CCAC. The course is 6 weeks long and the student is required to pass the certification exam. The student must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or a GED. The theory portion is taught by CCAC and the clinical section is instructed at Kane. If a student passes the course and comes to work at any Kane they will be reimbursed for 100% of the tuition.

LPNs – Kane is offering a pilot program for all employees who want to become an LPN. Kane is partnering with technical colleges in the area offering a 1 year LPN program. The theory is taught by the technical college and the clinicals are conducted at Kane and local hospitals for areas that Kane does not cover such as Pediatrtics, Obstetrics and ICU. Kane pays the costs for all tuition, books and uniforms. Kane will also make reasonable accommodations to the employee's schedule so that they are able to attend classes. In exchange, the employee agrees to remain at Kane, as an LPN, for 3 years after passing the LPN test.

RNs – For many years Kane has collaborated with CCAC on an Associate Degree Registered Nurse pathway for all employees. Kane and CCAC will accept employees into the program based on eligibility and interview results. The need for prerequisite courses will be assessed and the student may have to take prerequisite courses that are not reimbursed. Once the student is accepted into the program all tuition is paid for. Full-time benefits will continue as long as the program criteria is met. Employees in the program, on a scheduled clinical experience, will receive a stipend equal to their normal wages.

There are also tuition reimbursement programs for RNs to obtain their BS and MS degrees.

There are many Kane employees who have followed this career path to obtain positions such as Director of Nursing, Assistant Director of Nursing, Resident Care Coordinator, and Nursing Home Administrator.

In theory, a high school graduate can enter into the Kane program and become an LPN or RN with little or no out-of-pocket expenses. The first step is becoming a CNA. A student can pay out of pocket the $1,900 tuition at CCAC. Once the student accepts a position as a CNA at Kane they will be reimbursed in full after 26 weeks. The high school graduate could also accept a position at Kane in Housekeeping or Food Service. After a certain period of time, the employee will become eligible to become enrolled in the CNA program with all expenses paid by Kane. No matter what path the CNA can now enroll in the LPN or RN Program.

Learn more and apply today by visiting KanePGH.com.