TAMPA, Fla. — A bit of pomp to help out with a nursing shortage circumstance. 

The United Way Suncoast celebrated another graduation in its ongoing Certified Nursing Assistant program. On Friday, the first graduating class, in partnership with Dwyer Workforce Development, received recognition. 

“Finally, I am a CNA,” said Emily Taft, with a smile on her face. “I can make an impact on everybody’s life.”

Taft was one of nine graduates that came with their families. They completed the program at Hillsborough Community College. It was fully funded by United Way Suncoast. 

“We try to remove the barriers for the students so they can focus on their course work,” said Kimberly Miller, senior manager financial security, United Way Suncoast. 

The United Way Suncoast said the milestone marks a significant step in providing career opportunities for individuals facing employment barriers, while addressing the critical health care workforce shortage.

“The need is incredibly high, ever since COVID really,” Miller said when asked about the nursing shortage in Tampa Bay.

Only people who show a serious commitment to the nursing profession are welcomed into the program. 

“We go through a lot to select specific students for this. We make sure they are serious about this,” said Miller. 

“In our program you start as a CNA. We have direct good quality employer partners. So you have direct employment after you go through the United Way training and Hillsborough College, which we are excited to partner with,” said Lisa Chammess, Dwyer Workforce Development. 

Chammess said that in the crowd on Friday were representatives from BayCare, Advent Health and Moffitt Cancer Center. 

“I really want to work at BayCare and become an RN,” said Taft. “The first step, I am going to become a CNA, then an RN and hopefully nurse educator.”

Miller said United Way Suncoast pays 100% of the tuition, including any additional costs like testing, books, finger prints and more.