In line with its mission to expand the CNMI’s healthcare workforce, Northern Marianas College recently graduated 17 trainees from its Nursing Assistant Program.
The college's certificate training has been equipping students to deliver essential nursing care to elderly, ill, and disabled individuals in various healthcare settings, including long-term care, hospitals, clinics, and home health. Upon completion, students become eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Competency Examination with the NMI Board of Nursing, leading to certification as a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant or CNA.
Under the 10-week program, the trainees spent four weeks of lectures with NMC nursing instructors, three weeks in the skills lab, and three weeks in clinicals at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.
“We are so proud of the hard work and dedication these 17 trainees put into this summer’s rigorous program,” said NMC Nursing Department Chair Rosa Aldan. “Their commitment to completing assignments, mastering their skills, and applying them during clinical training has truly paid off. We look forward to seeing them take and pass the NNAAP Exam very soon.”
For Heart Sangphan Lizama, a second-year NMC student, the program was a valuable step toward her goal of becoming a nurse.
“I wanted to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in the healthcare field to support my journey toward becoming a nurse,” Lizama said. “So far, my most memorable experience was witnessing a birth on my very first day of clinicals.”
Lizama plans to take the NNAAP Exam and begin working in the field while continuing her nursing studies.
For Hai Ou Sakisat, one of her most memorable experiences was creating connections with her patients. “I liked being able to take part in their care and simply helping out in any way possible.”=
Sakisat plans to take the NNAAP Exam and begin working as a CNA in Tinian.
For Andrie Molinyawe, the training strengthened his knowledge and skills while deepening his interest in pursuing a role in the healthcare system. “The nursing assistant program really solidified my passion for working in healthcare,” he said.
Molinyawe plans to continue his academic studies to reach his ultimate goal of becoming a Registered Nurse, but also plans to take the NNAAP Exam and work as a CNA.
For more information about nursing assistant training, email Rosa T. Aldan, nursing department chair, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Andrew Mendiola, Administrative Assistant, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..