Become a CNA or PCT at St. Joseph's/Candler

Get certified at Savannah Technical College while working and receiving full-time benefits and paid time off at SJ/C

St. Joseph’s/Candler with Savannah Technical College offers two accelerated apprentice programs for Certified Nurse Aides (CNA) and Patient Care Technicians (PCT). These are ideal jobs for those wanting to start a career in a healthcare environment.  

It’s also a great opportunity to get paid to work, while going to school for free. The apprenticeship will include shifts at St. Joseph’s/Candler with competitive pay with benefits.

Apply now!

What does a CNA do?

Certified Nurse Aides are an important position in any healthcare setting. CNAs have many responsibilities that make them an integral part of the patient care process. CNAs help patients with direct healthcare needs, often under the supervision of a nurse. They perform critical, sometimes physical and complex, tasks that ensure patients are well-cared for and safe during their hospital stay. Specific tasks vary, but you may help patients with:

Being a CNA is a great stepping stone to other healthcare professions, especially nursing. Becoming a CNA will not only teach you how to interact with patients, but it also will introduce you to the healthcare field so that you can determine if healthcare is the right career choice for you. CNA is the first step toward PCT.

SJ/C CNA jobs

What does a PCT do?

Patient Care Technicians also work directly with patients, taking care of basic needs, such as feeding and hygiene; however, different than CNAs, PCTs have more training that allows them to complete other tasks as well. PCTs help patients with procedures such as:

• Taking vital signs
• Performing glucose testing
• Blood draws
• Other needs under the direction and supervision of a doctor or registered nurse

You must have CNA certification to become a PCT. This is a great opportunity to advance your continue and further see if you want to pursue other fields of healthcare, especially nursing.

SJ/C PCT jobs

About the Nurse Aide Accelerated Program

Successful applicants will work part-time at SJ/C and attend classes part-time at Savannah Technical College for the duration of the eight-week program. SJ/C will pay for your tuition and fees with a recruitment agreement to stay with SJ/C for one year.

During the program, you will be paid for 40-hours of work per week. SJ/C will pay you $14 per hour until you complete the program. Once you complete the program, you will make $14.72 per hour. After your first year and completion of your recruitment agreement, your pay will increase again to $15.01 per hour.

Your employment with SJ/C and participation in the Nurse Aide Accelerated Program are dependent on your ability to pass required background checks and drug screen analysis while also obtaining admission at Savannah Technical College. Completion of the Nurse Aide program earns you a Nurse Aide Accelerated TCC certification. You will later take a test after completing the program for CNA licensure.

The Application Process

• If you are not already employed by SJ/C, you will need to begin the hiring process HERE. You also will need to apply to Savannah Technical College HERE. You will need to apply to both SJ/C and Savannah Technical College at the same time.
• If you are currently employed by SJ/C, you will need to apply to Savannah Technical College HERE. You also will need to apply for a job transfer for the Nurses Aide Accelerated Apprentice position HERE. Please sign in or create an account and select "current employee" when applying.

One year after completing the SJ/C Nurse Aide Accelerated Apprentice Program and obtaining CNA certification, successful applicants will be eligible to participate in the SJ/C Patient Care Apprentice Program.

About the PCT Accelerated Program

Successful applicants will work part-time at SJ/C and attend classes part-time at Savannah Technical College for the duration of the 18-week certification program. A state program covers fees for the PCT program. You must sign a recruitment agreement to stay with SJ/C for one year.

During the program, you will be paid for 40-hours of work per week. If you begin employment with SJ/C before a session begins at Savannah Technical College, you will work full-time until a spot opens in the apprenticeship program. SJ/C will pay you $14.75 per hour (minimum; based on CNA experience) until you complete the program. Once you complete the program, you will make $15.63 per hour (minimum; based on CNA experience). After the first year and completion of your recruitment agreement, your pay will increase again to $15.94 per hour (minimum).

Your employment with SJ/C and participation in the Patient Care Apprentice Program are dependent on your ability to pass required background checks and drug screen analysis.

SJ/C Patient Care Apprentice Program Application Process

• You must have Nursing Assistant Certification (CNA) before applying for the Patient Care Apprentice Program.
• If you are not already employed by SJ/C, you will need to begin the hiring process HERE.
• If you are currently employed by SJ/C, you will need to apply for a job transfer for the Patient Care Apprentice position HERE. Please sign in or create an account and then select "current employee" when applying.

It is and will remain the policy of SJ/C to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status and/or age.