Building Skills for Healthcare Careers
- Identity Youth
- Mar 5
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 6
Combining healthcare basics with professional language instruction, Identity’s Introduction to Patient Care program, in partnership with the Hispanic Institute of Montgomery College, is yielding exciting results. In addition to the 23 students who completed the program in 2025, two new cohorts with 36 students started classes at the beginning of this year.
The program, also referred to as Pre-CNA (pre-Certified Nursing Assistant) is a 48-hour, Spanish-language training course that prepares students for work as nursing assistants. It is drawing participants with experience or strong interest in nursing who face English language barriers. Of the 23 students who joined the program last year, 11 went on to successfully complete the CNA classes and certification process.
Although the Pre-CNA course does not confer certification, it builds a strong foundation for healthcare careers in participants’ native language. It is paired with tailored Pre-CNA ESOL classes to ensure students develop the English skills needed to successfully complete a formal CNA certification program, ultimately strengthening both clinical knowledge and English proficiency.
Identity’s Workforce Development Manager, Daniela Torrico says she observed something just as meaningful happening beyond the classroom. “Participants are supporting one another, sharing experiences, and creating a professional network rooted in shared goals and resilience.”
This unique program is possible thanks to support from the Healthcare Initiative Foundation and Montgomery College.
