When high school students step into the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) laboratories across Weber School District, they aren't just taking another elective—they are taking their very first step into the medical profession.
With an incredible pass rate of 96% to 100% and 302 newly licensed CNAs graduating from district high schools last year alone, Weber School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) nursing program is proving to be one of the premier launching pads for future healthcare professionals in Utah. Offered at 5 district high schools, this immersive, semester-long program gives students the chance to earn their state certification while still in high school, opening immediate job opportunities and providing a solid foundation for advanced medical degrees.
Real Skills, Real Rigor, Real Success
Earning a CNA license in high school requires incredible dedication. To qualify for state testing, students must complete 100 hours of combined classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, while maintaining an 80% or higher on all coursework.
"They have to be really dedicated to get their certification. But this class is a life skill," shared one of the district’s veteran CNA educators. "They're going to be better medical professionals because of what they've learned in CNA."
The rigorous training covers everything from basic patient care and vital signs to hands-on clinicals where students apply their skills in real-world healthcare settings.
Pathways to Big Dreams
For many students, the CNA course is the ultimate testing ground for their future career ambitions.
Henry, a student preparing for college at Weber State University, uses the class to build a strong medical foundation: "Whether or not you're going to be a CNA, this is a great place to start if you're going into the medical field at all."
Sydney, a student taking the course after discovering it in Intro to Health, sees it as step one toward a major goal: "I want to be an orthopedic surgeon... It's a good place to start."
Berkeley, a junior preparing for nursing school, focuses on patient care skills: "I want to be a nurse. I just like learning what we're going to do in clinicals and treating patients."
Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom
Whether students choose to work as a licensed CNA to pay their way through college, step straight into a career post-graduation, or use their experience to excel in nursing or medical school, Weber School District’s CTE programs ensure they graduate with a distinct edge.
That dedication from our educators, combined with the hard work of our students, is what the #WSDAdvantage is all about: delivering high-quality, hands-on learning that transforms passions into lifelong careers.
Get Started Today!
Are you a Weber School District student interested in exploring a career in nursing, medicine, or healthcare? Speak with your high school counselor today to learn more about enrolling in the CTE Certified Nursing Assistant program for an upcoming semester!