3 Licensed CNAs Who Trained While Mount Vernon HS Students

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Three remarkable Mount Vernon High School students became Certified Nursing Assistants, while they were still teenagers in high school.

Three Mount Vernon High School students, Gale Flannory, Jayla Jones and Christeen Watson, completed the school’s Nursing Assistant Training Program (NATP) and are now New York State Certified Nursing Assistants, as of June 2022.

"This program is important to Mount Vernon High School students, as it allows an entryway into the health career pathway," said Bonnie Ball, nursing instructor. "Students gain the experience needed to work in the health profession immediately following high school and during college."

Noel Campbell, the Director of Career and Technical Education Pathways at Mount Vernon schools told Patch that the rigorous training program goes far beyond your typical schoolwork.

"Besides the theoretical learning that occurred in the classroom, which included patients (life-sized mannequins), hospital beds, and other materials and supplies you find in any hospital facility, students engaged in real world hands-on opportunities by completing the mandated 108 hours of clinical experience working inside The New Jewish Home, Sarah Neuman, located in Mamaroneck," Campbell explained. "Once students completed the hours and passed the NYS certification, Prometrics Exam, they were offered job opportunities at the nursing home as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)."

Campbell pointed out that with this certification, students can continue their studies at a post-secondary institution, to obtain more advanced nursing licenses.

"The 3 students that passed the exam are currently attending colleges throughout New York, however, during their breaks they will be seeking employment at the nursing home," Campbell said. "This has been a wonderful opportunity for the school community as we continue to grow our program each year.

The NATP course follows the mandated training and competency for individuals performing nurse aide duties in accordance with state and federal regulations. The program, which is part of MVHS’s Career and Technical Education course offerings, is regulated by both the New York State Education Department and the Department of Health to ensure the program meets industry standards. Students sit for both written and clinical testing at the completion of the program.