Health Career Resources for Students

Certified Nurse Aide & Nursing Assistant

Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) play an integral role in the patient care team. Working in both the long-term care and acute care settings under the direct supervision of a licensed healthcare professional, CNAs assist patients with activities of daily living such as grooming, bathing, and eating.

Nursing Assistants, while similar to CNAs, are positions that often do not require individuals to be certified with the state. Nursing Assistants often work in places such as hospitals, clinics, or in assisted living facilities.

CNA training is available at the following University of Hawaii Community College campuses:

Program applicants are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance through Good Jobs Hawaii.

 

Home Health Aide

Home Health Aides provide nursing and/or rehabilitative services to individuals in the comfort of their own home. Often requiring training and certification as a nurse aide, Home Health Aides administer personal care and assist with activities of daily living under the direction of licensed healthcare professionals.

In some settings, Home Health Aides also perform home management tasks such as laundry, light housekeeping, and meal preparation.

 

Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), also sometimes referred to as Licensed Vocational Nurses, provide basic medical care under the direction of registered nurses, advance practice registered nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Working in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, long-term care nursing facilities, residential care facilities and home health, LPNs conduct focused nursing assessments, administer medications, maintain patient care records and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Most LPN training programs are 1-2 years in length. LPN training is available at the following University of Hawaii campuses:

To learn more about the CNA to PN Bridge Program at the University of Hawaii Maui College, click the button below.

 

Patient Service Representative

Patient Service Representatives (PSRs) serve as the front-line customer service agent in a medical office or hospital setting. Job duties include, but are not limited to: written and verbal correspondence with patients, scheduling appointments, collecting co-payments, maintaining patient records, verifying insurance coverage, and ensuring overall patient satisfaction.

PSR Training is available at the following UH Community Colleges

Program applicants are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance through Good Jobs Hawaii.

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants (MAs) play a vital role in healthcare by supporting doctors, nurses, and other professionals. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking patients’ vital signs, preparing exam rooms, updating medical records, providing vaccinations, and assisting with minor procedures. Medical Assistants also help patients feel comfortable and answer questions about their visits. Some MAs may also perform scheduling and write referrals for future visits. Their work is a mix of clinical and administrative duties, making them an essential part of the healthcare team.

 

Healthcare Career Progression

 
 

Certified Nurse Aide Career Progression Map

Starting your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) opens the door to numerous growth opportunities in healthcare, including becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), or even advancing into specialized roles like nurse practitioner or healthcare administration. With experience and additional education, CNAs can build fulfilling careers while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives.

Medical Assistant Career Progression Map

Beginning your career as a Medical Assistant provides a strong foundation in healthcare, with opportunities to advance into roles such as a registered nurse (RN), healthcare manager, or specialized fields like medical coding, phlebotomy, or diagnostic imaging. This path combines clinical and administrative skills, offering versatile career growth and development.


Resources for Educators

High school educators, counselors, and advisors can find additional resources and health education opportunities through: