High school students interested in healthcare careers are able to serve as CNA interns in Carroll County Schools through a partnership between the system’s Health Services Department, College & Career Academy and Work Based Learning.
In the program's second year, students who have completed the Therapeutic Care/Patient Care pathway through CCA, passed their Certified Nursing Assistant exams and successfully completed an interview process are working in elementary school clinics in both the Temple and Villa Rica clusters.
“It's exciting to have our College & Career Academy students who have obtained their Certified Nursing Assistant certifications working with our staff in the clinics,” Lead Nurse Patty Younker said. “It's an opportunity for them to gain valuable medical experience and skills. We hope they develop a passion for school health and return one day to work as a colleague."
Interns must pass state written and skills tests to obtain their CNA certification. Interns work in elementary and middle school clinics under the supervision of nurses and clinic assistants where they learn the day to day operations of a school clinic and develop patient care skills such as maintaining student records, providing first aid, and supporting students with complex medical conditions. Interns gain clinical experience, explore a nursing career first-hand and are paid an hourly wage.