LEWISTON — Nine recent graduates of the Maine College of Health Professions nursing assistant course have passed the Maine competency examination.

This recent group of graduates was the first accepted into Central Maine Healthcare’s “Earn While You Learn” program. The cost of the program was paid for by CMH and the students were paid to attend the program. They will work at Central Maine Medical Center, Rumford Hospital or Bridgton Hospital for at least two years.

Completing the training program were the following: Erica Beaulieu, Kenneth Bergeron and Ryan Robitaille, all of Lewiston; Maddox Michaud, Brenna Rasmussen and Sabrina York, all of Auburn; Jodi Horan of Bridgton; Gina Karkos of Poland; and Amy Norman of North Bridgton.

The nursing assistant class consists of 90 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of laboratory experiences and 70 hours of clinical experiences at CMMC and Clover Manor in Auburn. Upon successful completion of the 180 hours of course work, students are eligible to take the state certification exam. After successful completion of this exam, students are placed on the Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and may be employed as certified nursing assistants in Maine.

FMI: www.MCHP.edu.