Riverside Lifelong Health, in collaboration with Riverside Talent Acquisition, and the Riverside College of Health Sciences, are proud to celebrate the 50th graduating class of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Earn and Learn Program, marking a major milestone in Riverside’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, community investment and career growth.
The Earn and Learn program, launched on the Middle Peninsula in March 2020, was created to meet an urgent workforce need during the COVID-19 pandemic, while offering aspiring caregivers an accessible, debt-free pathway into the health care profession. Participants receive full-tuition coverage for the Nurse Aide program, paid employment during training and guaranteed placement as a CNA upon certification. Graduates agree to a work commitment of 12 months (full-time) or 18 months (part-time), ensuring a strong transition from education to employment. Since its inception, the program has added an additional location on the Peninsula in December 2021 and helped hundreds of students begin meaningful careers while earning income and gaining hands-on experience in Riverside facilities.
Sisters Kysearia Ackes and Lamara Wright, both graduates of the Earn and Learn program, now work side by side as CNAs at Riverside Lifelong Health & Rehabilitation Saluda. “This program gave us an opportunity to follow in our mom’s footsteps. She was a CNA, and we both grew up watching how much she cared for her patients and how proud she was of her work. The Earn and Learn program helped us take that same path together and build careers where we can make a difference like she did.”
“The Earn and Learn program is a powerful example of how education and employment can come together to change lives. By giving participants the chance to earn an income while they learn, we’ve opened doors for people who may not have otherwise been able to pursue a health care career,” said Theresa Farley, Director of Education for Riverside Lifelong Health. “The impact goes far beyond graduation as many of our alumni have advanced to become nurses, medication aides, and leaders within Riverside. Each class reminds us how investing in people creates a stronger, more resilient community.”
This 50th graduating class represents more than a number — it symbolizes the dedication of Riverside’s educators and leadership teams, and the hundreds of students who have taken the first step in their health care careers through this initiative.
“The CNA Earn and Learn program provided me an incredible opportunity to get immediate hands-on experience and certification without the usual obstacles. By translating my paid training directly into a full-time Certified Nursing Assistant position, the program established my professional foothold in the industry,” said Alyssa Johnson, graduate of the inaugural Earn and Learn program. “This invaluable experience is now the perfect launchpad for my future, providing the practical knowledge and confidence I need as I take prerequisite classes to advance toward a nursing program.”
“Riverside is deeply committed to the growth and success of our team members,” said Cathy Buscarino, RN, CNA Earn and Learn Program Instructor. “We’re proud that our graduates are building strong medical foundations that not only improve their lives but strengthen the communities we serve.”
What began as an innovative response to staffing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into a model for career development across Riverside Health. Following the success of the CNA Earn and Learn track, Riverside has launched similar programs for pharmacy assistants and medical assistants, creating multiple entry points for individuals seeking rewarding health care careers without incurring student debt.
To learn more about the Earn and Learn programs, please visit https://www.riversideonline.com/careers/earn-and-learn-programs.