Learning to be a Nurse at the CLC

Many nurses begin their medical careers as nursing assistants. "Growing up in Paraguay, I always wanted to work in the medical field. I volunteered in nursing homes as a teenager. I liked helping people," explains Michelle La Noire, and graduate of the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC). "When we moved to the U.S. in 2021, I started looking for ways to start a career in healthcare."

At first Michelle worried it would be too hard for her to improve her English enough for college. She also worried that college would be too expensive. "But then I saw a flyer about the nursing assistant training program at the CLC, and it changed my life!" she says.

In September 2022, Michelle started the CLC's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program for English Language Learners. The five-month training program includes classes at the CLC to prepare for a career in healthcare and strengthen English and math skills. Students also take a hands-on clinical class.

"I learned so much at the CLC," Michelle explains. "My teachers taught English at a good pace, and I learned a lot of skills. My teachers, Sarah and Nancy, and my advisor, supported me so I could earn my nursing assistant certification!"

Michelle's first job as a CNA was at Beverly Hospital on a medical-surgical unit. Now she is working in the Emergency Room at CHA Everett Hospital. "I really like working the Emergency Room," she says. "I like not knowing what each shift will be like - you always get to learn new things."

After graduating from the CLC's program, Michelle started taking college classes to get ready for nursing school. "My experience at the CLC was really good and I wanted to keep studying to become a nurse," she says. This fall she will start the UMass Boston Nursing Program. Michelle will graduate in 2028. "I want to be an Emergency Room nurse and then maybe go back to school and become a Nurse Practitioner!

"Michelle is such an inspiration," remarks Yan Zhang, the CLC advisor and program coordinator for the CNA Training Program for English Language Learners. "Even though Michelle is working, she has stayed connected to the CNA training program. She has volunteered to speak on alumni panels. We are beyond proud of her as she continues her nursing journey!"

Do you want to train to be a nursing assistant and launch your career in healthcare? Sign up for an information session to learn more about the CNA Training Program for English Language Learners. The last day to apply is September 4!