- Capstone course with CNA certification prep
- Hands-on clinicals in nursing homes (40+ hours)
- Selective entry: by application, limited to 15 students
- Prerequisites required: intense science background
- Part of Health Science/Medical programs for grades 11–12
Program Overview
Hendersonville High School’s Nursing Education course is the final step in its Health Science track. It’s designed for juniors and seniors aiming for a career in nursing, therapy, or similar healthcare fields. The course is highly selective, capping at just 15 students, and pushes hands-on learning starting with classroom time and moving into real healthcare environments.
Once enrolled, students attend classroom and lab sessions totaling 60+ hours, followed by 40 clinical hours in a nursing home. This is not a weekend elective—it’s embedded in the normal school schedule, so it doesn’t require after-school commitments. Instead, it’s more like a vocational class with real credentials attached.
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Prerequisites & Admission
Entry is by application only, and students must meet firm criteria before being considered:
- Complete prerequisites:
- Health Science Education
- Medical Therapeutics or Anatomy & Physiology I
- Be in 11th or 12th grade
- Be at least 16 years old
For the dual enrollment option, additional background in Diagnostic Medicine is required. The rigorous audit ensures participants are prepared for the workload and credentialing standards.
Curriculum & Requirements
Participants achieve:
- 40+ classroom hours
- 20 classroom clinical hours
- 40 site-based clinical hours, including 24+ in long-term care settings
Before stepping into nursing homes, students must be certified in BLS/CPR and competent in basic first aid, infection control, and privacy practices. Program must receive approval from Tennessee Department of Health ⮕ 30 days before course begins, ensuring it meets state CNA standards.
By the end, students are eligible to take the Tennessee CNA exam, and likely well prepared thanks to a structured progression from theory to build competency in several health-related domains.
Clinical & Career Context
The clinical nursing home rotations provide realistic exposure to patient care—lifting, hygiene assistance, documentation, and more. This course not only prepares students for the CNA credential, but also gives them a clear insight into whether patient-facing healthcare suits them.
It also prioritizes professional behaviors—strong communication, respecting residents’ rights, maintaining hygiene standards—all key traits in nursing environments. The dual pathway aligns with students aiming for higher healthcare roles, like LPN or RN, especially when combined with college-level electives.
Evaluation & Recognition
With only 15 seats per session, the program’s capped size allows close instructor supervision. That focused attention likely contributes to high competence and readiness among graduates.
However, there’s no mention of formal recognition ceremonies (like cords or pins), though such schools typically host some form of graduation acknowledgment. The selective nature and clinical rigor mean each student gets tailored support—ideal if you want strong training but tough if you prefer open enrollment.
Strengths
- Zero cost—included in public high school offerings
- Real clinical experience, not just simulations
- College & career pathway: stacks with dual enrollment options
- Intimate cohort—only 15 peers means more support
- Strong preparation for state exam and healthcare environment
Areas to Consider
- High barrier to entry: prerequisites and selection process
- Clinicals limited to long-term care, not acute care settings
- No mention of paid placement or guaranteed employment post-certification
- Students must manage both core academics and technical training
- Tight schedule; missing school hours could jeopardize credentialing
Who Should Consider Hendersonville High School Nursing Education
This option is a great fit for high school juniors or seniors who are seriously considering a healthcare career and are ready for a demanding, school-based capstone. If you’re eager to get hands-on experience, are organized, and have already completed foundational health science classes, this is a powerful stepping stone into healthcare—especially if you’re thinking about nursing or therapy roles.
However, it’s not for everyone. If you’re still exploring options, prefer less competitive entry, or want to explore multiple care settings (e.g., hospital), you might find post-high-school CNA programs better suited. But if you want a solid credential by graduation, and you’re prepared to rise to the challenge, Hendersonville High delivers a sharp, career-focused training pipeline.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | Free for eligible enrolled students |
| Duration & Clock Hours: | Approximately 100+ hours (40+ classroom, 20 clinical classroom, 40 site-based) |
| Evening/Weekend Classes?: | No, classes are held during regular school hours |
| Online Classes?: | No |
| Job Placement?: | No formal placement; clinical experience provided |
| Requirements: | Must be 16+, in grade 11 or 12, completed Health Science, Medical Therapeutics, and Anatomy & Physiology I; by application only |
| Address: | 123 Cherokee Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075 |
| Phone: | (615) 824-6162 |
| Website: | https://hhs.sumnerschools.org |
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