Many nurses begin training for their careers as students, taking classes to become certified nursing assistants. Being a CNA gives students the unique opportunity to work under registered nurses and with real patients and helping with their daily activities.

“It’s a great opportunity to get your foot in the water and may help you discover what you want to do,” senior Lia Wilson said. “Becoming a CNA has opened my eyes to many possibilities for my future career. Working in the medical field has made me realize that I want to continue to work with people and help others.”

To get an official CNA license, students have to complete in class training with tests after every unit. They also do at least 16 hours of clinicals at nursing homes, where students put the things they have learned to use under the supervision of current CNAs.

The training programs can take between four to twelve weeks to complete. Then, they must pass the State Certification exam and start the application process for a CNA job.

“It was a super fun and challenging process led by an amazing teacher,” junior Greta Barnett said. “The process felt very quick with a lot of information to learn.”

The class itself consisted of lots of note taking and labs. Students did lots of hands-on work for each new skill. They used dummies or their partners to practice moving, changing and toileting their patients and other daily tasks. According to junior Peyton Reyner, it was easy but also very time consuming.

“It taught me so much not only how to physically care for people but also how to communicate with others and help people in more unique ways”, Barnett said. “It has also helped me feel even more sure about wanting to pursue nursing in college.”

These students recommend the CNA program to anyone interested in nursing. Not only does it teach students how to help people, but also helps them to be one step ahead and have already had medical experience going into college.