Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — LBJ Tropical Medical Center (LBJTMC) intends continued collaboration with the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) to bolster the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program, a vital initiative empowering aspiring healthcare professionals in American Samoa.

The CNA Program at ASCC plays a pivotal role in preparing individuals for rewarding careers in healthcare. However, the journey to becoming a certified nursing assistant hinges on several factors, including the completion of requisite English and math courses, contingent upon placement test results. Notably, students placed in college-level English courses, such as ENG150 and ENG151, enjoy streamlined registration processes, streamlining their path to success.

The comprehensive CNA curriculum spans 10 weeks, encompassing 60 contact hours of coursework and 90 contact hours of clinical lab training. ASCC's rigorous standards mandate students to excel in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring they meet or exceed benchmarks of excellence.

Led by esteemed professionals, including Lina Faafetai, RN, as the lead instructor, and Mr. Faafetai Ifopo, RN, as the lead adjunct clinical instructor, alongside four other dedicated instructors, students receive top-tier guidance and mentorship throughout their educational journey.

LBJTMC CEO Dr. Akapusi Ledua remarked, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with ASCC in advancing the CNA Program.

“Clinical training, a cornerstone of the program, immerses students in real-world healthcare settings, where they hone essential nursing skills under supervision.

“By working closely with ASCC, we are not only investing in the development of skilled caregivers but also strengthening the fabric of our healthcare system.”

ASCC's exacting standards mandate students to achieve a minimum of 76% in nursing courses and 78% in clinical lab assessments, ensuring they possess the expertise and proficiency necessary for success in their future careers.

To further incentivize student achievement, the American Samoa Government (ASG) generously provides a $500 reward for students who successfully complete the program, underscoring the community's commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering excellence in healthcare.

The Chairman of the LBJTMC Board of Directors, Dr. Malouamaua Tuiolosega, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “As the leading healthcare institution, LBJTMC is deeply committed to supporting educational initiatives that cultivate talent and enhance healthcare delivery in our community. Our partnership with ASCC underscores our shared dedication to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

Additionally, Director Lele Ah Mu, RN BSN of the Nursing Program at ASCC, emphasized the program's commitment to excellence, stating, "At ASCC, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in the healthcare field.

“Our partnership with LBJ Tropical Medical Center allows us to provide unparalleled educational experiences and ensure our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare profession.”

As LBJ and ASCC reaffirm their commitment to excellence in healthcare education, they invite prospective students and stakeholders to explore the fall and spring semester schedules provided below for additional information.