Last Friday, 20 students from Euclid High School’s Allied Health CTE Program reached a huge milestone in their young nursing careers by graduating from their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training through First Hands Health Careers. This achievement comes from months of dedicated studying, hands-on learning and a clear commitment to pursuing a future in healthcare.
Throughout the program, students engaged in comprehensive training experiences that blended classroom instruction with practical clinical experience. They developed essential skills in patient care, infection control, medical terminology and safety procedures, while also gaining experience working through real life healthcare scenarios. This combination of knowledge and application will prepare them to confidently step into the medical field.
CNAs play a vital role in healthcare settings. They provide direct care to patients, assisting with daily needs such as bathing, dressing, eating and mobility. THey also monitor vital signs, support patient comfort and serve as an important link between patients, families and the patient’s medical care team. It is a role that requires both technical skill and compassion, and throughout their training ,our students have demonstrated both.
The next step for these graduates is to pass the state certification exam, which will assess their knowledge and clinical abilities. Once certified, they will be eligible for immediate employment in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers and home health agencies.
Earning a CNA credential while still in high school is an outstanding accomplishment and an example of what CTE can offer students. Students in CTE are taking high school classes, while also earning college credits, industry credentials, and experience while launching their careers. Whether they choose to enter the workforce right away or continue their education to become nurses, physician assistants or doctors, they will graduate one step ahead.
In addition to the CNA graduation, three Juniors earned additional recognition for going above and beyond in their pursuit of careers in healthcare.
Zoie Wolf, Serenity Womick and Ramiah Williams took their commitment even further by simultaneously completing the Cleveland Clinic Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program weekend prior.
Balancing both programs required an exceptional level of dedication, time management and perseverance. Each of these students successfully navigated rigorous coursework, hands-on training and additional enrichment experiences all while continuing their responsibilities as high school students.
The Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program is a highly competitive opportunity designed specifically for high school Juniors interested in nursing careers. Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic and The Howley Foundation in partnership with Ursulines College’s Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions, the program provides students with valuable insight into the nursing profession while helping them build the academic and professional skills needed for success in college and beyond.
Through this experience, students engaged in advanced learning opportunities and gained exposure to college-level expectations. Their successful completion of the program exemplifies their ability and their commitment to helping others.
As a result of their outstanding performance, Zoie, Serenity and Ramiah have been invited to return next year as part of the Senior cohort. This continued participation opens the door to even greater opportunities, including the potential to earn a scholarship to Ursuline College to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
We are incredibly proud of the Allied Health students for their remarkable achievements. Congratulations to all the new CNAs!