Wilson Central High School CNA Program

This CNA program is part of the school’s Health Science CTE cluster, which also includes Nursing Services, Therapeutic Services, and Sport & Human Performance. Students begin this path by taking foundational courses like Medical Therapeutics and Anatomy & Physiology, eventually progressing into the more advanced Honors Nursing Education course that includes CNA preparation.

Unlike stand-alone adult CNA classes, this course is embedded into the high school curriculum. That means students can earn high school credit, fulfill graduation requirements (specifically, the third lab science credit), and earn industry-recognized certification—all before graduation.

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The curriculum emphasizes real-world patient care in a nursing home or long-term care facility. Students selected for the program will participate in supervised clinical rotations, giving them valuable early experience in patient interaction, caregiving tasks, and professional behavior in healthcare settings.

Some of the areas covered include:

• Personal care and hygiene for patients
• Patient safety and mobility
• Communication with nursing staff and residents
• Basic anatomy and medical terminology
• Understanding healthcare roles and ethics
• Infection control and vital signs

This kind of hands-on experience at a young age is a major advantage for students thinking about long-term careers in healthcare—especially nursing, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.

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This CNA program is built into the regular high school day. While the exact timing depends on the student’s class schedule and course availability, this program takes place during the junior or senior year, typically as a senior-level elective.

It’s also worth noting that the school follows a block scheduling model, which can vary from year to year based on student demand and staffing availability. That means it’s especially important for students to work closely with their school counselor to plan early.

Students must also attend informational meetings with their parents before starting the course. These meetings clarify expectations, scheduling, and responsibilities related to clinical work.

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This isn’t an open enrollment course—you must apply and meet certain requirements before being accepted. Here’s what you’ll need:

Prerequisites:

• Completion of Medical Therapeutics
• Completion of Anatomy & Physiology
• Application approval
• Minimum 90% attendance rate
• Drug screening, TB test, and possibly immunization proof (including Hep B) for clinical placement
• Attendance at a mandatory student/parent info session

The program is only open to 11th and 12th graders, and priority is often given to students with strong attendance and academic records in their Health Science classes.

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One of the most attractive parts of this program is that it’s completely free for Wilson Central High School students. There are no tuition or textbook fees, and the school facilitates clinical site placement as part of the curriculum. That said, students may be responsible for small out-of-pocket costs related to health screenings or immunizations required for clinicals.

After successful completion, students will be eligible to take the state CNA exam, giving them the opportunity to earn a professional credential before they even finish high school.

This early certification can help students begin working immediately after graduation or give them a head start in postsecondary nursing programs, such as LPN or RN pathways.

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Wilson Central encourages students in CTE programs to get involved in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), such as HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). These organizations provide opportunities for competitions, leadership training, and community involvement, which further enhance a student’s resume and college applications.

The program is also considered an Early Post-Secondary Opportunity (EPSO), meaning it’s officially recognized as a dual-purpose course: one that supports high school graduation while leading to college- or career-level certification.

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Seniors who participate in the CNA track may also be eligible for Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs that allow them to work at healthcare facilities during the school day. These placements can be paid or unpaid and give students even more direct experience in the healthcare workforce.

Students must meet additional eligibility requirements for WBL, including:

• Minimum 90% school attendance
• Passing grades in all courses
• Valid transportation to the job site
• Continued enrollment in a related Health Science course

This real-world experience is especially valuable for students who want to enter the workforce immediately after high school or build a strong foundation for college healthcare programs.

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