Events

Class started: June 20th, 2023

Apprentices obtained certification between 8/30 and 9/13, 2023

On-the-job training scheduled to conclude in January, 2024

Program Summary:

Candidates who are selected will be hired into paid, full-time Apprentice positions by Sapphire Center from Day 1 of classroom learning. During this time, they will be paid to work toward obtaining their C.N.A. certification and are guaranteed a full-time position at Sapphire once they become certified.

Our intensive CNA class is 144 hours long and will run 8 hours per day (including 1 hour lunch) for roughly 2.5 weeks. Apprentices will attend class Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, apprentices will shadow and observe incumbent C.N.A.s, and this time will count toward their On-the-Job Training hours requirement. Next, apprentices will undergo 30 hours of hands-on clinical rotations under the guidance of a preceptor, as well as several workshop days, including a one-day workshop to obtain their BLS/CPR certification. Finally, we will offer exam prep sessions, including hands-on skills practice, to ensure apprentices are prepared for the certification exam.

After certification, apprentices will have their title upgraded to C.N.A. and receive additional 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 peer mentoring each week from experienced CNAs at Sapphire, up to a minimum of 70 total hours of mentorship. Their work hours at this point will also count toward the 1,000 hours of On-the-Job Training required by the Federal Department of Labor as part of this registered apprenticeship program.



Upon successful completion of their C.N.A. certification, 1,000 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT), and 70+ hours of mentorship (approximately 6 months), apprentices will be subject to a final skills assessment by the employer’s nursing staff. Completion of all the above will entitle apprentices to a certificate of completion from the Federal Department of Labor.