Blaise Oliver, a senior at Emanuel County Institute, is the first student from EDGE College & Career Academy to complete the Accelerated Nurse Aide Program. This accomplishment represents a significant milestone for both Oliver and the expanding healthcare pathway at EDGE.
Oliver finished the year-long program as a junior under the instruction of Leann Murray at EDGE College and Career Academy. The program combines classroom lessons with hands-on clinical work to help students learn how to care for patients and support their daily needs in different healthcare settings.
The Nurse Aide Accelerated Technical Certificate of Credit is a state-approved program designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to begin a career in healthcare. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the state examination required for inclusion on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry.
For Oliver, the achievement is another step toward a career in healthcare. Now a senior at ECI, she plans to continue along the medical pathway by pursuing studies in phlebotomy.
Oliver also participated in an additional healthcare program through the career academy. She was part of the first Summer Bridge Allied Health cohort, a partnership between EDGE and Emanuel Medical Center, and is the first student to finish both programs.
“Blaise’s achievement represents far more than earning a credential; it marks a historic milestone for EDGE College & Career Academy,” said Chip Fleming, EDGE College & Career Academy CTAE Administrator. “As the first student to complete our Certified Nurse Aide licensure program, Blaise has established a standard of excellence that future students will strive to reach.”
Fleming said Oliver’s involvement in both programs shows how important it is to give students chances to connect what they learn in class with real-world job experiences.
“Blaise has demonstrated the dedication, professionalism, and perseverance that define the mission of EDGE: preparing students to be college, career, and workforce ready,” Fleming said. “Milestones like this validate the vision behind our academy and the strong partnerships we’ve built with local industry. We are incredibly proud of Blaise for showing what is possible when education and workforce opportunities come together.”
Oliver’s achievements show that Emanuel County students have more chances than ever to get hands-on experience, earn industry credentials, and start preparing for careers before they graduate from high school.
