HPOG Promising Practice: Chicago State University - Education, Training, & Support Services

Publication Date: June 2, 2021
Current as of:

Chicago, IL

Keeping up with the need for healthcare workers

The Partnership to STEP UP in Health Careers (STEP-UP) program at Chicago State University (CSU) provides healthcare training and career laddering for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and other low-income individuals. They serve participants in the city of Chicago, especially the south side and southern suburbs.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, STEP-UP redesigned their certified nursing assistant (CNA) training so participants could learn remotely. CNA’s are critical during the COVID-19 crisis; they have an ongoing role in public health. It was important for STEP-UP to continue providing CNA training and opportunities for participants to enter the workforce. To ease the transition to virtual learning, students received an introduction to the online platform, Moodle, during orientation. Instructors also increased their availability to students to help them adjust to the new learning environment.

The remote CNA curriculum covers standard training and was modified to include new information about COVID-19 such as, symptoms, spread, and prevention while in the workplace. Instructors incorporated videos and learning activities on top of the live weekly online sessions. In addition to the classes on Moodle, students were on campus once a week for lab training and skill review. Participants also received CPR training through a hybrid model, combining online learning and on-site safety demonstrations.

The CNA training prepares students for the workforce, by including lessons on sensitivity and skills to build trust with patients.

STEP-UP’s quick transition to online learning ensures they can keep up with the demand for certified nursing assistants and are helping combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

This Promising Practice was self-identified by the grantee and information contained in this document was provided by the grantee.

HPOG Promising Practice: Chicago State University - Education, Training, & Support Services  (PDF)