Iowa Lakes Trustees updated on Certified Nurse Aide Program

(Algona, Iowa) The Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees met Tuesday afternoon on the Algona Campus to conclude the 2019 summer tour of campuses.

Robert Leifeld, Vice President of Administration, began Tuesday’s meeting by introducing Theresa Waechter, Algona Campus Supervisor. Waechter provided a brief update regarding current happenings on the Algona Campus and discussed the many exciting events that have taken place on campus throughout the past year.

Following her presentation, she introduced Dawn Kollasch, Allied Health Programmer, for Iowa Lakes Community College. Kollasch presented to the Board of Trustees on the many opportunities available through the Certified Nurse Aide Program (C.N.A.) at Iowa Lakes.

C.N.A. courses are available at all five campuses of Iowa Lakes Community College.  Each class consists of 30 lecture hours, 15 hours of lab, and 30 hours of interactive, hands-on, training that happens within a clinical setting.

“After successful completion of the C.N.A. course, students are then eligible to take the State Written and Skills testing.  Once students earn a passing score of 70% or above on the state exams, they are then listed on the state registry as a Certified Nurse Aide,” said Kollasch.

“During the past year, we have held 18 classes throughout the five campuses of Iowa Lakes, with each class holding up to 10 students. Here in Algona, we have had the opportunity to offer C.N.A. courses through secondary education with Algona High School and during the evening on the Algona Campus. The C.N.A. courses are offered through continuing education or for college credit,” explained Kollasch.

Kollasch then introduced Chantel Teeter, C.N.A instructor for Algona High School. Teeter shared the unique experiences that are available to the Algona High School and Bishop Garrigan High School students through the Iowa Lakes program.

“Taking C.N.A. courses during high school is an opportunity for students to not only earn college credit but to gain a real understanding of the healthcare profession,” said Teeter.

Jolene Rogers, Executive Director of Community and Business Relations, presented that Iowa Lakes is preparing for an October 8th bond issuance. This bond issuance is part of the 260E New Jobs Training program.

“There are currently six businesses taking part in this new training opportunity. Currently, there are three businesses from Clay County and three businesses from Dickinson County,” said Rogers.

Preliminary agreements are still being accepted for the 2019 bond project.

Approval was granted to accept a $29,656 gift from the Merlin Hovick family to transition the Brad Hovick Memorial Scholarship fund to the Iowa Lakes Community College Foundation. This opportunity will support two North Union School District high school seniors annually.

Rogers then shared with Trustees that the Laker-Heldt Golf outing took place this past Friday and the event was marked a great success. “It’s always a pleasure to host the Heldt family and honor Linda as we raise scholarship funds for the Iowa Lakes student-athletes,” said Rogers.

The Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 beginning at 4:30 pm at the Administration Building, 19 South 7th Street, Estherville, Iowa.

For More Information:

Iowa Lakes Marketing office at 712-362-7947