Sisters Abby and Sierra Ard share their experiences with the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program at Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC). Both are graduates of SRTC’s Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program and have followed unique paths shaped by their experiences. Sierra works as a CNA in an Intensive Care Unit and aspires to become a Nurse Practitioner. Abby is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies, with a goal to serve underserved pediatric populations in rural areas. Their stories reflect their professional achievements, mutual support, and commitment to making a difference.
Abby Ard
Abby took full advantage of our Dual Enrollment program, earning her CNA certificate in 2019 and her Interdisciplinary Studies Degree with us in 2020. She then went on to achieve her Bachelor’s degree at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and is currently working toward her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Cedarville University in Ohio. Abby plans to return to a rural community after graduation to work within the underserved pediatric population.
Q: What drew you to a career in healthcare?
A: Healthcare has been a passion of mine since I was a young girl. My first immersive experience was in 2014 when my family went on a mission trip to Guatemala, and I was allowed to help in a clinic there. While there, I found a love for medicine and treating pediatric patients in particular. Upon return from this trip, I began researching medical careers and truly began to dive into the possibilities of a future in medicine. It became evident that medicine was a calling placed on my life, and it has been a privilege to walk in this calling and to glean from the healthcare professionals placed in my life.
Q: What led you to choose SRTC’s Nurse Aide program specifically?
A: While in high school, I decided to pursue an early college education through dual enrollment. Knowing that one day, I wanted to work in the medical field, I began seeking opportunities to begin investing in this calling as soon as possible. I found the Nurse Aide program through an advisor and decided to pursue these classes. One small decision to take these classes shaped who I am today!
Q: How did the Nurse Aide program prepare you for your current job?
A: I am currently pursuing a Physician Assistant degree at Cedarville University in Ohio. My time at SRTC helped me chose to dive deeper into a medical education, as well as prepared me to be a part of the team in the emergency department, which I was able to do before moving for school. Many of the skills and life lessons I learned at SRTC have opened many doors for me to be a part of providing quality patient care.
Q: What did you enjoy about your time at SRTC?
A: My time at SRTC was truly monumental in preparing me for the future. Having the ability to start my career in healthcare within my hometown was so important and allowed me to create connections and friendships that would last a lifetime. The students and faculty in the Nurse Aide program became like a family to me!
Q: Do you remember any particular lessons or advice that you found particularly useful or important?
A: The mindset we were taught to have in this program is that we should not only study for an exam but to study for the day when we are the person who could potentially save a life. This has been a mindset I’ve continued to keep throughout my entire college journey.
Sierra Ard
Sierra Ard earned her CNA certification from SRTC-Moultrie while she was still in high school. Growing up in a family filled with passionate healthcare workers, Sierra found herself naturally drawn to the field. Now a CNA in an Intensive Care Unit, Sierra credits the program for teaching her the essential skills she uses daily in her demanding role. Sierra is currently studying at SRTC to become a Registered Nurse (RN) through our Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program and aspires to further her education to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Q: Who were/are your biggest supporters?
A: My family has always been my biggest supporters. My mom and dad have always pushed us to do whatever we want and to be great at it and my sister is always there to answer any questions I have, being she has been in my place before.
Q: What advice would you give individuals who are considering the Nurse Aide program?
A: Do it! If you feel like you want to go into healthcare, but you aren't sure how you will like it, it is a great place to start.
Q: How did you come by your current job?
A: I talked with my instructors while in the program about where I could find work as a CNA, and they gave us a bunch of possible options. I sorted through the list and found what I thought would best suit me!
Q: What were your greatest successes as a college student?
A: I was able to graduate high school with my CNA and started my career early.
Q: What were your greatest challenges as a college student?
A: It can be hard to find time to study in a busy schedule. I currently work two jobs, so multitasking has become one of my talents.