Certified Nursing Assistant Academy
Gaylord’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Gaylord's Certified Nursing Assistant program is a robust, in-person, active learning experience. The dedicated classroom and skills lab prepare students to complete their clinical portion of the program on one of Gaylord Hospital's recently renovated, all-private room rehabilitation units. After completing this dynamic course, students are fully prepared to pass the CT Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification examination. A registered nurse and a certified nursing assistant with many years of experience at Gaylord lead the course. Each class is limited to 8 students to provide a supportive learning environment.
Why Gaylord?
Robust training
Gaylord recognizes that the CNA is an integral role within the hospital setting and believes in building an educational structure that best prepares CNA’s to perform the critical tasks that ensure patients are well-cared for and safe during their hospital stays.
Well rounded care experience
All CNAs who complete and graduate from the CNA program have the knowledge required to care for patients in unique and complex medical care environments and intensive rehabilitation, like Gaylord.
Clinical rotations
The clinical rotation at Gaylord is provided on a rehabilitation unit in a long-term acute care hospital located on the same campus as the education portion of the program, no additional traveling is required.
State of the art equipment
Through the CNA Academy at Gaylord, students will be trained with state-of-the-art equipment and exposed to a diverse team of experienced staff members, and to patients with various complex medical needs.
Future employment potential
CNA Academy graduates who successfully pass the curriculum and certification exam may be eligible for employment at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare.
Hands on training
The program is led by a registered nurse and a CNA with many years of experience at Gaylord. Group size will be limited to 8 students per session.
Explore The Course Details
Curriculum & Educators
Course content includes infection control, fall prevention strategies, legal and ethical responsibilities, effective communication, body mechanics, moving and positioning patients, personal care skills, nutrition, and measuring vital signs.
*2025 Winter Course Schedule*
Course Instructors
Kristen Berg, BSN, RN, CNA Academy Coordinator
Beverly Teixeira, PCT Trainer
Interested in finding out more information about the CNA Academy at Gaylord?
Have questions? Call (203) 284-2784 or email: CNAacademy@gaylord.org
The CNA Academy takes place in Gaylord's Nursing Education Classroom and Simulation Lab located at
Gaylord Hospital
50 Gaylord Farm Road
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 679-3510
Student Benefits
- Students may be eligible for immediate employment after course completion
- Potential reimbursement of program fees after course completion with employment commitment
- Shadowing and mentoring opportunities for various clinical roles include RN, LPN, OT, PT, RT
- Employees are eligible for a tuition reimbursement program for continuing education
Student Requirements
- Must be age 18 or older
- Must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Must be fluent in English
- Annual flu shot required
- Resume required
- Interview required
- Must have a uniform – scrubs (any color or prints are acceptable) and closed toe shoes
- Must pass criminal background check, physical and drug screening
Program Costs
Students are responsible for their own books, practice kits and scrubs, the required medical clearance/background check cost, and the Connecticut Certified Nurse Aide Exam fee. Program instruction is provided at no cost.
Have questions?
Call Lacey McCauley at (203) 284-2784.