Boone Central Students Embark on Path to Nursing Certification
By: Aprill Murphy
ALBION, Nebraska (October 09, 2024) -A group of dedicated Boone Central High School students are currently participating in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program, preparing to make their mark in the healthcare field. The six students— Miranda McGill, Madison Gompert, Natalie Nelson, Edwin Naranjo Aranda, Erica Hall and Madison Reilly —are undertaking a semester-long course designed to equip them with essential patient care skills and prepare them for the Nebraska Nurse Aide State Licensure.
This unique program is a collaborative effort between Boone Central (BC) High School, Boone County Health Center (BCHC), and Central Community College (CCC), providing students with both high school and college credit. The curriculum includes 46 hours of hands-on training in BCHC’s state-of-the-art facility, 30 hours of online learning, and comprehensive exams that students must pass to become licensed.
The course is led by Jen Molt, RN, a certified instructor with Central Community College, and Boone Central High School Science Teacher Chelsea Gaunt. Molt has been instrumental in bringing the program to life, having conceived the idea during her time at BCHC. After joining BC school in 2021, Molt collaborated with then-Pathways Instructor Jenni Grape and Gaunt to create the curriculum and establish the CNA course. After years of planning and coordination, the course was officially added to Boone Central’s Health Science offerings in 2024.
The success of the program relies on strong community partnerships and generous support from local organizations:
- Boone County Health Center provided two training bays, classroom space, and critical equipment required by Nebraska DHHS, including hospital beds, wheelchairs, linens, and personal care items. BCHC is also working towards establishing a third training bay to accommodate more students.
- Central Community College has supported the program by offering discounted class fees, free textbooks, and a Welch Allyn Oral Thermometer for student use. CCC’s financial support is part of a broader effort to address the nursing shortage in Nebraska.
- Albion Education Foundation contributed $5,300 for the purchase of two manikins to enhance simulation training and provided an additional $250 for a time clock.
- Albion Legion Riders donated eight scrub uniforms, embroidered with the program name, which will be used by students during their training and testing.
The CNA program at Boone Central represents a significant opportunity for students interested in healthcare careers. The hands-on experience, coupled with dual-credit benefits, positions these students to make an immediate impact in the workforce. With plans to expand the training space and add advanced simulation equipment by the end of the year.
By the end of the semester, these Boone Central students will have completed all the requirements to sit for their Nebraska Nurse Aide State Licensure exam, marking the beginning of their journey into the healthcare profession.