Members of the “sandwich generation” are among students interested in nursing assistant qualifications as they care for ageing relatives, the Bermuda College said.

They are joined by others who see healthcare as a career choice thanks to potential opportunities with the Bermuda Hospitals Board or in residential homes.

The college said that the Certificate for Nursing Assistants was developed in collaboration with the Bermuda Nursing and Midwifery Council.

It provides students with foundational knowledge and practical skills, including “how to monitor vital signs, understand medical terminology, support individuals needing medical care, and navigate the legal and ethical landscape of the healthcare industry”.

Tawana Flood, the college’s director of the Athora Division of Professional and Career Education, said: “With an ageing population comes the need to care for an ageing population, so what we’re trying to do is increase talent for qualified nursing assistants at several establishments on the island, from the Bermuda Hospitals Board to private care facilities.”

She noted that course participants came from a variety of backgrounds, including members of the so-called “sandwich generation” who are caring for both children and ageing parents.

Ms Flood added: “We’ve had students leave full-time employment to better support their loved ones.

“This course empowers them with the knowledge and confidence they need to provide compassionate care.”

The two-semester programme involves 144 hours of classroom learning and 105 hours of clinical experience, including a weeklong capstone.

One cohort is for high-school students dually enrolled at the college and a separate evening class is limited to people aged 18 and over.

Ms Flood noted: “We’re now seeing mature students register for the course so they could understand and navigate their way in the way of healthcare and taking care of their senior family member.”

She said: “We’ve seen a real passion and dedication from our dual enrolment students.

“Even if they aren’t the top academic performers, they show up with an enormous heart and a desire to serve.”

About half of the 20 total registration spots remained available for the evening course, which will run 6pm to 9pm on Mondays and Wednesdays starting on August 25.

Registration must be completed by August 11 for the course, which costs $1,795 per semester with funding support available.

• For more information, e-mail apace@college.bm or visitcollege.bm. E-mail serr@college.bm to register for the course, allowing 48 hours for processing