"There is a chronic shortage of health care workers," according to Gary Bowen, University of Alaska Southeast associate dean responsible for career education. "It's going from chronic to acute."

To help train workers for jobs in health care, UAS is offering two Certified Nurses Aide sections starting January 30, 2001. In addition, applications for admission into the Weber State Licensed Practical Nursing program in Juneau are due March 1.

"There are definitely employment opportunities in the health care field," Bowen said. "If you look at help wanted ads in newspapers, many are health related. In Seattle and Anchorage, whole sections of the want ads are devoted to looking for health care workers."

Bowen said the Licensed Practical Nursing program offered through Weber State is the only nursing degree available in Southeast. Those wanting to enroll must have taken classes in human anatomy and physiology plus chemistry. Bowen suggests those interested in a nursing career should also take the Certified Nurses Aide training to make certain they want a career in health care.

Those interested in Certified Nurses Aide training may pick up application forms at a UAS campus in Juneau, Sitka or Ketchikan. Or call the Juneau career education center at 465-8775 or 465-8770.