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As the school year comes to a close this year, Robichaud High School in Dearborn Heights will graduating more that scholars; the school will also be graduating something new: certified nurse assistants, or CNAs. The Certified Nurse Assistant Program was added this school year (2020-2021) and joins the Criminal Justice and JROTC Programs at Robichaud High School. The school partners with two other schools also located in Dearborn Heights, Crestwood High School and Annapolis High School, to offer a collection of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses to students at all three high schools including Early Childhood Education and Graphic Arts Technology, all designed to give students a head start on preparing for career or college. Robichaud High Principal Melanie Learst says the newest CTE course is a wonderful opportunity for students. "It exposes them to the nursing and health profession, it's one of the hot 50 jobs in Michigan," she says. Currently 21 students are enrolled in the course.

In addition to CNA being a high-demand position, it is also one which provides potential for advancement in the nursing field. "The biggest thing is that it gave our students a credential to go into the workforce right out of high school as well as the opportunity to actually experience what nursing would be like, to give them that incentive to go forward with post-secondary education," she says. The knowledge and experience gained as a CNA can give students a boost should they decide to continue their training to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN).

The course it taught by a registered nurse and consists of lecture and lab work. Students take one year to complete the course in a three-hour block each school day. Students also get hands-on experience performing 20 hours of clinical experience in a nursing home setting, similar to an internship. Transportation is included in the course. Upon completion of the course, students can sit for the exam which, when passed, will certify them as a CNA. The cost of the exam is included in the course as well.

Once certified, CNAs work in inpatient hospital settings, long-term residential facilities, and nursing facilities. CNAs work under the supervision of a RN or LPN and assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, obtaining vital signs, dressing wounds, and changing bed linens. In Michigan, CNAs must complete 12 hours of continuing education under the supervision of a nurse each year to keep their license in good standing.

Learst says some of the students graduating the CNA course this May have already received job offers.

"Starting pay is between $16 and $19 an hour. A lot of the facilities that hire nursing assistants will also give tuition assistance," she says.

In addition to reinforcing concepts learned in math and science courses, Learst says the program develops the person as well. Students learn and develop leadership and communication skills, time management, responsibility, and empathy, to name a few.

"I'm truly excited that we're able to provide this type of learning opportunity for our students," says Westwood Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Stile Simmons