DeKalb County High School students can learn Thursday about new pathways into the medical field through a dual enrollment certified nursing assistant program.
TCAT McMinnville Dual Enrollment Coordinator Michele Chamberlain said the Healthcare Education Rural Opportunities grant will cover the costs of textbooks, supplies, equipment, and testing fees for participating students. The initiative partners the college with NHC Smithville to provide clinical internships during the final two periods of the school day.
“We were trying to do everything we could to be able to help our communities, especially DeKalb,” Chamberlain said. “And that’s why the high school has taught this and NHC has taught this course and we’re trying to just expand it and provide other opportunities to fill those gaps and those needs in healthcare.”
Chamberlain said the grant funding will also expand dual enrollment opportunities for anatomy and physiology and medical assisting classes. The high school courses can serve as stepping stones by providing dual hours. Those hours can transfer into the licensed practical nursing and upcoming patient care technician programs at the college.
“It gives them an idea of whether they’re going to like and want to go into the healthcare field,” Chamberlain said. “And it’s just the beginning if they want to move forward into other careers.”
Chamberlain said the college employs a recruiter who assists students with building resumes and developing interview skills once they transition to the campus. The specific days and hours for the clinical training at the nursing facility will be determined in the fall based on student enrollment numbers.
“You know, it gives them actual hands-on experience and can lead to working for NHC or other organizations in the healthcare field,” Chamberlain said.
Chamberlain said the program addresses a direct need for healthcare workers in rural communities where shortages are prevalent. The nursing facility is consistently looking to hire certified nursing assistants, and the entry-level certification allows employees to eventually advance to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.
“We are going to be there to be able to encourage these high school students to get involved in these programs and understand how it’s all going to work,” Chamberlain said.
A question and answer session for students and parents will be held Thursday at 5:00 p.m. in the DeKalb County High School cafeteria. The class starts in the fall of 2026