Join us for a series of interviews with recent graduates of our Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide programs, where students discuss the impact of the program on their career paths and how it has changed their approaches to caregiving. This month, meet Alexander “Alex” Post, a CNA graduate from 2025.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a caregiver, CNA, or home health aide?
Seeing how my grandma was treated while she was in a care facility was the biggest inspiration for me. She was not treated well at all, and I wanted to make sure nobody else’s grandma/grandpa/aunt/uncle would be treated like that as long as I am inside the facility.
How has completing the CNA/HHA training program prepared you for real-world caregiving?
The way the CNA course was taught and broken up made learning skills easy and in-depth which made it super easy to adjust to doing these skills every day within the facility, this helped me so much knowing that I was prepared to do this job at the highest level possible. Shout out to Ms. Shay!
Was there a particular class or hands-on skill that had the biggest impact on you?
Honestly, the entire clinical portion had a big impact on me because that was my firsthand look at what I would be doing for my career.
What skills-technical or personal – do you feel improved the most during your training?
I would not say it’s a skill you learn but it is a great skill to have. Patience: it’s something I needed to work on personally and this field forces you to be patient with residents and your coworkers!
How has this program changed the way you approach caregiving?
It showed me caregiving is more than changing briefs and giving showers, caregiving is about the entire resident. What I mean is you need to give care to the residents’ mental, physical, and emotional health.
How do you feel the certificate will help you advance your career in healthcare or senior living/assisted living?
This certificate is the first step into this crazy medical world that I plan on being in for the rest of my working life.
What do you think makes The Art of Care Academy training program stand out for others?
For one, the price. Two, the class size and attention to detail is unmatched, as I’m typing this, I have a class from another program in my facility that is 20+ students to only one teacher.
What are your short-term career goals after graduation?
In any job I’ve ever had my goal is to win employee of the month, which is something I’ve already accomplished in my short time here at Pine Creek Care Center, but I want to use my experience from TACA and PCC to get on at one of the many hospitals in the area and keep on leveling up in my career!
What advice would you give future students entering this Home Health Aide or CNA program?
Take your time! No such thing as taking too long in this field, personal care is personal. Take your time!!!!
Is there a patient/resident/client who has had an impact on your life and career choices? If yes, tell us about them and your experience.
I have had a few residents who were discharged from my facility to go home who have come back to the facility just to visit me! That right there makes me feel like my job has been accomplished.
