After a series of pandemic-related delays, many students in the New Castle Career Center’s Health Science Education Program are starting their clinical training. With this training, they will be eligible to earn their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. The students are also preparing for the written and skills tests through Ivy Tech. 

“I’m so excited to finally be able to go to clinical and help as much as I can,” explained Eastern Hancock student Chloe McCarty. “I’ve always had a heart for helping people and have known this is what I want to do with my life. We’ve all worked really hard to get to where we are, and I can’t wait to see how all of us students will impact our community’s health care needs.”

Students are placed in various extended care facilities within Henry County to gain the hands-on experience needed to obtain their CNA license. There is a list of skills the students will learn, including vital signs, feeding and transporting residents, and donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE). They will also get a feel for daily life in the healthcare field and how to interact with patients. 

“After all of the preparations, I am honored to have the opportunity to care for others,” added Knightstown student Sara Sears. “Just seeing the delight on each resident’s face makes my day.”

Applications for the 2021-22 school year are open for incoming juniors and seniors. For more information about the Health Science Education vocational program, or to find the application, visit nccareercenter.org