OFTC Nurse Aide Program Prepares Kimberly Hill for CNA Career

After watching her oldest daughter succeed in Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s (OFTC) Nurse Aide program, Kimberly Hill decided to follow in her footsteps. 

“I was exploring educational opportunities in the healthcare field at the time and decided OFTC’s Nurse Aide program had a lot to offer,” she said. 

Hill always knew she wanted to work in healthcare, but she wanted a path that would allow her to begin working quickly. 

“OFTC’s program was a great option because it offered a fast-paced, hands-on curriculum that allowed me to gain the necessary skills for a healthcare career quickly,” she shared. “The convenient location and affordable tuition also played a significant role in my decision.” 

Her passion for direct patient care also made becoming a nurse aide a natural choice.
“I have a deep desire to provide compassionate care to those who need assistance,” she said. “I find great joy in being able to directly improve a patient’s comfort and quality of life each day.” 

OFTC’s Program 

The Nurse Aide program felt like the perfect fit for Hill, and once she started classes, she knew she’d made the right decision. 

“My experience was wonderful,” she said. “The instructor was very supportive both inside and outside of the classroom.” 

Hill especially enjoyed the hands-on learning she received during clinical rotations.
“Applying the skills we learned in a real-world setting felt rewarding and made me extremely confident in my ability to perform as a future employee,” she said. 

Becoming a CNA 

After completing OFTC’s two-semester program, Hill sat for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam and passed on her first attempt. 

“I felt very prepared because of the thorough practice we had in the program, especially with the skills portion,” she said. “I absolutely felt ready to start my career immediately.” 

Hill became a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and accepted a position at Dublinair Nursing Home in Dublin, Ga., last May. 

In her new role, she performs many of the same duties she practiced during her training.
“My primary role is to provide direct, compassionate care to residents,” she said. “I serve as a crucial link between the resident and nursing staff, ensuring any changes in their condition are reported promptly.” 

She assists with activities of daily living—including hygiene, dressing, mobility, vital signs, feeding and hydration—and works to maintain safety and comfort for all residents. 

The Right Choice 

Hill knows she’s exactly where she’s meant to be and is grateful she followed her dream of working in healthcare. 

“The thing I love most is building meaningful connections with the residents,” she shared. “Many of them look forward to seeing familiar faces each day and knowing that I can bring comfort or a smile to someone makes the work incredibly fulfilling.” 

“Choosing this career has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made,” she added. “I’m grateful for the foundation OFTC gave me, and I’m excited to continue growing in the healthcare field.” 

For more information about OFTC’s Nurse Aide program, visit OFTC.edu. 

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