CEO Column | Celebrate National Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) Week

June is a perfect time to recognize professionals who serve on the frontlines of patient care during National Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) Week. These caring individuals are often the first to greet patients and the last to ensure their comfort—delivering essential, compassionate work every day. 

At Goodwill San Antonio’s Academy & Career Services, we are proud to offer tuition-free certifications in professions that lead to good careers in the medical field, such as Nurse’s Aide, Medical Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician. 

All of Goodwill’s workforce training programs are designed to meet the growing demand for jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for nursing assistants and other hospital-supporting positions is projected to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 216,000 job openings expected each year. In Texas alone, vacancy rates for CNAs in long-term care facilities rose from 10% in 2019 to 21% in 2022. 

This is why our tuition-free Nurse’s Aide certification program is so vital. Through a carefully constructed curriculum, we prepare individuals for stable, fulfilling careers in healthcare. Students receive in-depth instruction, participate in clinical rotations through partnerships with local long-term care providers, and gain the confidence to enter the workforce ready to serve. 

Our faculty and staff go above and beyond to help build careers rooted in empathy, responsibility, and service. 

Last year, over 500 individuals completed career training through Goodwill’s Academy. What is remarkable is that many of our participants are balancing jobs, parenting, or overcoming past setbacks. That is why each student receives personalized guidance from our Student Success Coaches, who help them manage transportation challenges, childcare, housing referrals, and more. 

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