LincolnHealth is now accepting applications for its winter Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class through Wednesday, March 1.

This session begins March 28 and runs through May 12. Classes are held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with one final Friday class. They take place at LincolnHealth’s Education Department, 66 Chapman St., with hands-on clinical training at one of our senior care facilities. Class days are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; clinical days are 6:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

The class is offered at no cost, and qualified candidates can earn while they learn in the apprenticeship program which allows students to be paid while they learn if they make a one-year commitment to provide care at one of LincolnHealth’s nursing care or skilled rehabilitation facilities after graduation. Apprentice CNAs are considered LincolnHealth employees and are eligible for benefits, including health insurance.

“In a very short time, students can begin their careers in healthcare by becoming licensed and Certified Nursing Assistants,’’ said Jennifer McIntire, RN, the longtime course instructor at LincolnHealth. “There will be job opportunities waiting for these students, as CNAs are in high demand.

“While many of our students have aspired to more advanced clinical roles, others have found their work as CNAs is fulfilling and they choose to stay on in that role,’’ McIntire said.

If you can’t make this session, there are two additional opportunities: Aug. 29-Oct. 13, with applications due Aug. 1; and Oct. 24-Dec. 15, with applications due Sept. 29 – this session will be adjusted to accommodate the holidays.

To request an application, please call the LincolnHealth Education Department at 207-563-4540 or email cna@lchcare.org.