New opportunities in the medical field for Northwest High School students

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Northwest High School in Grand Island is starting a course on-campus intended to help give kids a jump start on a career in the medical field. While the program is not totally new it is more convenient for students and takes less time to complete.

One year. That’s how long a it took Northwest students to get their certified nursing assistant certification. Now, it takes just one semester, the big drop in time is mostly due to the fact that the class is now held on the campus of the high school, instead of it’s former location Central Community College.

The class is still taught using the same materials as the ones used at CCC, and it is taught by registered nurse Brooke Bowen. She’s working double time as she is also a nurse at the Cedar Hollow School.

Bowen said she was excited to teach the class and give back to the possible next generation of nurses.

“When I was approached to teach this course I knew that I would enjoy it and be really good at it,” Bowen said. “I am just excited to do it, I have a passion for nursing, especially a passion for kids. And just to give back to the nursing field and prepare these kids for the medical profession is really an honor for me.”

In the past students need to go to CCC for three hours every Friday, and according to school officials, that created some class scheduling concerns because students would not return to campus after their college hours. It also took away students’ ability to participate in school activities on Fridays.

“During a sports season Fridays are busy with games and events, also activities such as shows, and show choir, musical activities and so students were not able to participate in any after school activities when this program was at CCC,” said Jeanette Ramsey, Northwest Public Schools Curriculum Coordinator.

The program is partially thanks to a grant from the state, and a donation from the Stueven Charitable Foundation. Their mission is donating money to help students who are seeking to pursue a medical degree in college and beyond.

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