Nursing
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Students in this pathway take a variety of courses, including: Introduction to Health Careers, Medical Terminology, and College Nursing Assistant Training. As part of the program, students also have the opportunity to earn a State of Illinois Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate directly through their high school. Additionally, Juniors can apply to participate in Medical Science Academy (“Med Academy”) during their Senior year, which is a program designed to provide an advanced focus on health sciences and prepare students for future careers in healthcare.
Certified Nursing Assistant Training
District 214 offers juniors and seniors who are 16 and over the opportunity to become a Certified Nursing Assistant while still in high school. For many students, earning their CNA is the first step in achieving their dream of becoming a nurse, radiology technician or other health care professional. For others, this course provides them with immediate skills to obtain employment in a variety of health care settings after graduation. No longer is nursing something that occurs only in a hospital or nursing home. Home health agencies, clinics, and many other settings are hiring Certified Nursing Assistants.
The College Nursing Assistant Training course is offered in conjunction with the Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program at Harper College. Training will include the development of basic nursing assistant skills through class work, laboratory demonstration, student practice and clinical experience.
To enroll in the College Nursing Assistant Training course at District 214, students must:
- Be a 16 year old Junior or Senior
- Be able to lift, move, and transfer patients
- Have health insurance
- Meet all health requirements
- Pass a criminal background check
- Have eligibility to work in the United States
- Meet coursework or test score prerequisites
Work Based Learning Experiences in Nursing
Students have the opportunity to participate in internship and apprenticeship programs to affirm their interest in a career in health science fields.
Internships are available to students beginning the summer before their Junior year to students who have taken at least one career pathway course in the health sciences pathway. Students have been placed in hospitals, medical offices, dental offices and medical labs.
Apprenticeship opportunities are available to seniors (applications are open from November through January of their junior year) who are interested in getting on-the-job paid training with an employer while continuing their coursework in their career area of interest. District 214 offers a certified nursing assistant apprenticeship opportunity for seniors who have completed the CNA course and received their certification as a junior.
The applications for these work-based learning programs can be accessed in students’ SchooLinks accounts under “Programs”
