INA, Ill. (Sep. 27, 2023)—RLC student Pashen Todd was able to earn her C.N.A. certificate with the assistance of the PATHways to Success in Allied Health Careers Grant.
FROM LEFT; RLC C.N.A. student Pashen Todd (Mt. Vernon) and RLC CTE Success Coach Emily DeForest.
Before earning her C.N.A. certificate, Todd was working multiple jobs just to get by. She assisted students with disabilities getting on and off the bus for Durham School Services, and she also worked for Addus Homecare assisting the elderly.
It was through this work that she realized she had a passion for helping others and decided to further her career within healthcare.
While searching for colleges with a good C.N.A. program, she needed a school that was close to home and would offer one-on-one experience with experienced instructors. Todd started at Rend Lake College once before and dropped out due to lack of support and anxiety. Her experience this time around was a much more positive one.
Being eligible for the PATH Grant alleviated a lot of the stress she had about going back to school. The grant covered the fees for her C.N.A. course and state test while waiving tuition for all in-district C.N.A students.
“I was grateful for the support that I had while taking my classes,” Todd said. “My instructor, Miss Fann, filled me with the knowledge I needed to help others and pass my state test. My CTE Success Coach, Emily DeForest was there to support me and give me the confidence I needed to succeed. Dr. Rhodes, my Disability Services Coordinator helped me get the support I needed to get through my class.”
She is still working for Durham School Services and Addus Homecare, but her with C.N.A. certificate she is applying to multiple different medical facilities in Mt. Vernon so she doesn’t have to work several jobs.
“My advice for other students interested in healthcare, is to try working at a healthcare facility or volunteer so you have an understanding what to expect. Healthcare is a very caring field, you must have the ability to care for people and treat them with respect. Always have faith in God to get you through.”
For more information on the program, potential students can contact RLC CTE Mentor and Success Coach Emily DeForest; deforeste@rlc.edu; 618-437-5321, ext. 1769. Or you can learn more by visiting: www.rlc.edu/path.