A single parent of three children, Suffolk resident Erica Hart is enjoying a new lease on life now that she’s taken a significant step toward her dream career.

Hart now works as a certified nurse aide, thanks to the program offered by the Paul D. Camp Community College (PDCCC). Prior to becoming a nurse aide, Hart worked as a shirt presser for a local dry cleaner.

She has nothing but praise for PDCCC’s program.

&uot;This is a good program for people who want to become a nurse,&uot; said Hart. After earning her certification in 2000, Hart was hired as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) at Obici. Today, Hart can be found in Obici’s Telemetry Department, an intermediate step-down unit for heart and surgery patients.

Hart’s schedule and compensation also give her good reason to continue in the profession, she said. &uot;I have benefited from the CNA program because it gives me more time with my boys, allows me to work in other units, and the pay and benefits are good.&uot; Hart is continuing to pursue coursework at PDCCC toward becoming a Registered Nurse.

Susan Jernigan, a mother of five, is also one of many students that PDCCC likes to brag about. Jernigan also entered the CNA program in 2000, and went to work at Obici Hospital immediately upon completion.

In January 2001, Jernigan was assigned to the Orthopedic and Pediatric units. Jernigan has now completed testing to become a Monitor Technician in the Telemetry unit. Prior to enrollment in the CNA program, Jernigan was babysitting in her home and providing care for an elderly patient.

&uot;The CNA program was a really good opportunity for me,&uot; said Jernigan. &uot;I recommend it to others who like being with and taking care of people.&uot;

PDCCC looks forward to more testimonials from people like Jernigan and Hart in the future. On Tuesday, July 9

beginning at 7 p.m., an open house and informational meeting will take place for people interested in the certified nurse aide program. Class content and financial aid will be discussed.

The 16-week program consists of two classes designed to prepare students to become CNAs. CPR certification is also required. Total program cost runs $347.58 for tuition, not including books and uniforms. After completion of the coursework, students are prepared to take the state certification exam.

Classes take place Aug. 19-20, meeting from 5:30- 9:30 p.m. at the Hobbs Suffolk Campus on Mondays and Wednesdays. Classes at the Franklin campus are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some Saturday clinical classes are required.