The path from a job to a career can involve several steps, and for individuals interested in healthcare, Cambridge's Community Learning Center (CLC) offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program. The program has supported participants such as Nigus, a former cashier who later became a Registered Nurse (RN). Nigus, who immigrated from Ethiopia to the U.S. in 2018, advanced his career through the CLC’s program designed for English Language Learners.
Nigus began his journey at the CLC, where he improved his English and gained clinical knowledge through classes at both the CLC and Labouré College of Healthcare. This combined approach to learning supported a significant change in his career. “Taking the training was a turning point,” Nigus told the City of Cambridge. The CLC’s integration of language and vocational instruction prepared him for his role at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) as a Patient Care Associate, where he developed practical skills while continuing to strengthen his English. He then took pre-nursing courses at Bunker Hill Community College and, with support from MGH, pursued a nursing degree at the Institute of Health Professions, ultimately becoming a Registered Nurse after passing his exams in September 2024.
MGH provided support to Nigus through scholarships, including contributions from Friends of the CLC, demonstrating the community’s investment in aspiring healthcare workers, the City of Cambridge reported. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “I recommend doing the CNA training if you are interested in healthcare. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and the CLC’s guidance can make a significant difference.”
The next CLC CNA Training Program for English Language Learners is set to begin in February 2026. The program offers students training and support, and detailed information, including how to register for an information session, is available through the City of Cambridge.
