The Ladder of Opportunity enables any NewCourtland Network employee to pursue his/her goal of joining the nursing profession. The Ladder provides training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a CNA Specialist–a distinction offered exclusively at NewCourtland; and provides scholarships, tuition reimbursement and stipends for employees to further their education to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Bachelors of Science in Nursing, (BSNs) or Masters of Science in Nursing (MSNs).

Students enrolled in the Ladder receive support every step of the way, positioning them for career success.

To date, the Ladder has seen over 500 graduates.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Providing day-to-day, hands-on care to meet the basic needs of the residents, CNAs comprise the cornerstone of senior care. By being closest to those they serve, they are the “eyes and ears” of LPNs and RNs.  

Certified Nursing Assistant Specialist (CNA Specialist)

CNA Specialist, the next professional step on the Ladder, receives additional specialized training and assumes leadership responsibilities. This position has a unique distinction within the NewCourtland Network.

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)

LPNs play an essential role on nursing teams, with daily tasks of administrating medications, performing vital sign measurements, maintaining patient records and monitoring their response to treatments.

Registered Nurse (RN) / Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) / Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Serving as advocates for those who are under their care, Registered Nurses (RNs) embody a holistic approach to ensure that all resident needs are met. Through critical thinking and managerial judgment, RNs maintain a watchful eye over each resident—assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the coordination of care, and maintaining and achieving the highest level of functionality.  

Kass Scholar

The Kass Scholar is a recipient of the Kass Scholarship, an endowed fund that is awarded annually to a student who is pursuing a degree from the Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (GNP) Masters program at The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

Existing in perpetuity and named in honor of NewCourtland President and CEO Gail Kass, preference for this scholarship is given to NewCourtland Network employees and their progeny.