OUR STORY
W.A.R. stands for William Alphonza Reeves Memorial. Dr. William Alphonza Reeves, the late father of Mrs. Tankard, was recognized as the first African American male Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) in North Carolina.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Hillside High School offered a specialized one-year program designed to help recent African American graduates become Licensed Practical Nurses. Dr. Reeves was among the students who participated in this pioneering program, an opportunity that positively impacted not only his life but also the lives of many families throughout the community.
We chose the name W.A.R. to honor Dr. Reeves’ legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to others. His life exemplified the spirit of a true public servant, and this memorial serves as a tribute to his lasting contributions and enduring influence.
OUR MISSION
Our goal is to help as many In-Home Aides as possible prepare for the state examination and obtain their North Carolina State Certification. As regulations for Home Health Care Agencies continue to evolve, the State of North Carolina now requires many employees to hold certification to remain compliant. Obtaining certification is essential for maintaining employment and advancing within the healthcare field.Our training program is not limited to In-Home Aides. It is designed for anyone with a passion for caring for the sick, elderly, frail, or individuals with mental and developmental challenges. Whether you are beginning your healthcare journey or seeking to expand your skills, this program is available to those who are committed to providing compassionate care and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
OUR GOAL
Our goal is to provide the workforce with well-trained, qualified professionals who are prepared to apply their knowledge and skills in the healthcare field.We are committed not only to preparing individuals for the State Certification Exam, but also to encouraging them to pursue advanced opportunities within the medical profession. We strive to inspire students to reach their fullest potential and achieve the highest level of success possible. Whether their aspirations lead them to become Nurses, Medical Technicians, Physician Assistants, or other healthcare professionals, we aim to help them build confidence, develop a strong sense of self-worth, and create a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
GOVERNING BODY
Dr. Perry E. Tankard
Director /Owner
Dr. Rona Tankard
Administrator/Owner
Dr. Perry and Dr. Rona Tankard are the proud owners and founders of W.A.R. Memorial Nurse Aide I Training Academy. With many years of experience in the healthcare industry, they previously owned and successfully operated a Home Healthcare Agency, where they employed and supervised Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to clients throughout their community.
Throughout their years in home healthcare, the Tankards recognized the growing need for well-trained, knowledgeable, and compassionate Nurse Assistants. Their firsthand experience managing healthcare professionals inspired them to invest in the education and development of future caregivers. Motivated by a passion for teaching and a commitment to improving the quality of patient care, they established WARM CNA Prep School to help aspiring Nurse Assistants prepare for the North Carolina Nurse Aide competency examination.
For several years, WARM CNA Prep School successfully offered an intensive two-day preparation course designed to equip students with the knowledge and confidence needed to challenge the North Carolina Nurse Aide I examination. The program served many individuals seeking to begin or advance their careers in healthcare.
In 2016, the State of North Carolina implemented changes to the regulations governing eligibility to challenge the Nurse Aide I competency examination. As a result of these legislative changes, the two-day Nurse Assistant preparation course could no longer be offered to the general public, prompting the Tankards to pursue a new path in healthcare education.
Committed to continuing their mission of preparing qualified healthcare professionals, Dr. Perry and Dr. Rona Tankard worked diligently to establish a state-approved training institution. Their dedication culminated on June 2, 2023, when W.A.R. Memorial Nurse Aide I Training Academy was officially licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges to provide Nurse Aide I training.