Program Objectives
Given the projected nursing shortage in the State of WI, the School District of New Berlin has developed an on-site Nursing Program to make it easier for students to explore coursework and careers in Nursing. In addition to traditional coursework in Health Science and Health Care Occupations, students are now able to complete a Certified Nursing Assistant course (including clinicals at Linden Grove - New Berlin) and sit for the State CNA exam on-site.
In addition, we have developed secondary and post-secondary course planning resources to allow flexibility for students to earn transcripted credit, dual enrollment credit and AP experiences that will maximize entrance and expedite completion of a 2-year, 2+2, or 4-year post-secondary program in Nursing.
Enrollment
Students in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program will receive high school credit (.75) as well as credit through WCTC (3.0) in addition to their CNA certification by passing the State exam following completion of the course.
This program is open to School District of New Berlin students as well as students from other school districts through Course Options. With only 20 spots available, New Berlin students will be given first priority.
SDNB students register for the on-site CNA course through Infinite Campus but can also take a CNA course at WCTC through Youth Options or Course Options programs.
Eligibility
Students must be 16 years of age by the beginning of the program start date.
Course Overview
CNA coursework is comprised of 50 hours of discussion and 25 hours of skills training in our CNA lab (generously sponsored by Linden Grove). The course will be offered at Eisenhower. Students participating from New Berlin West will be provided transportation to New Berlin Eisenhower as needed. Once the course is complete, the students will be placed in a study hall for the remainder of the semester to being studying for their State exam.
Following completion of the discussion and skills training, participants will complete a clinical rotation at Linden Grove (skilled nursing facility in New Berlin). The clinical experience will take place outside of school hours on weeknights (likely 4:00 - 8:00 PM) and Saturdays (likely 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM) to complete a total of 45 hours per State guidelines. The specific dates of this experience will be chosen based on the availability of the majority of participants. Participants will be required to commit to attend all clinical dates scheduled to stay registered for the class.
Following completion of their clinical rotation, students will register to take their State CNA exam. The SDNB is now a registered test site to ensure that students will be able to sit for the State exam shortly following completion of clinicals. It is very important that students make good use of their study hall to ensure they are prepared for the exam. Students who do not pass the exam will have the opportunity to sit at a future date at an additional expense.
Transportation Schedule, Forms & Costs
Details regarding transportation, required forms, and costs associated with the program for both School District of New Berlin and non-resident students is covered at the mandatory informational meeting scheduled prior to the start of class. Some program costs will be subsidized through a WI DWD Fast Forward grant. As a result, students may be required to fill out additional paperwork as part of this program.
Industry Certifications
A CNA certification allows students to work in a health care setting as they complete high school, formulate their goals for their future, and evaluate options for their post-secondary education. A CNA certification is considered both an industry and college credential. Some post-secondary institutions consider the certification a prerequisite for certain majors and others provide scholarship money to students who attain it.
Students who have completed their CNA and passed the State exam are eligible to earn an additional credential through the WI DPI Skills Certificate and/or Youth Apprenticeship Program.
Employment Opportunities
Students with an interest in applying what they are learning in school in a health care environment will be connected to the SDNB Career and Service Learning Program to find an opportunity that matches their interests. We have a variety of opportunities offered by our health care providers, some of which can be secured without a CNA certification. Please talk to your counselor for more information and to identify the right opportunity for you.
Industry Mentorship, Post-secondary Education
Students enrolled in this program will be provided with access to industry mentors from our local business partners. Students will also be provided with opportunities to visit a number of different companies and post-secondary education providers throughout the year to enrich what they are learning in class and inform their Academic and Career Plans.
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