ASHDOWN, Ark. - The University of Arkansas-Cossatot Community College's Continuing Education Department and Ashdown High School have partnered to offer seniors the chance to receive nursing assistant training to prepare for the certified nursing assistant exam after graduation.
After passing this exam, these students can earn a license to work as a CNA. Students who participated in the training program received 90 hours of training, with 16 hours being in a clinical setting, at Pleasant Manor Nursing Home in Ashdown.
Students who completed this year's training included Melissa Cooper, Tania Calloway, Liza Embry, Anna Moss and Railee Schmidt.
"I am so proud of our students who are able to be a part of this wonderful program to make them job ready at graduation," said Superintendent Casey Nichols. "We appreciate CCCUA for partnering with us to make it possible and to our own Mrs. Amy Silva for working so hard to provide this wonderful opportunity at Ashdown High School."
According to CCCUA, Ashdown High School is the first high school to partner with UA-Cossatot to offer a nursing assistant training program to high school seniors, launching the first course in 2018-2019.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for CNAs will rise at a rate of 11% annually through 2026.
Health Science Teacher Amy Silva said she's already seen the impact this opportunity has had on students interested in nursing, preparing them for the workforce.
"Each of our students, who have successfully completed the program, has already received a job offer," Silva said. "We hold it a high priority at Ashdown High School to provide early opportunities for our students to become college and career ready upon graduation. We are proud to be impacting not only our students, but also our community."