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District highlights expansion of health-care CTE programs; Westside students earning CNA credentials
Summary
District leaders and Ascension St. Vincent’s representatives described district career-and-technical opportunities, including a CNA program offering 40+ clinical hours and pathways to certification for high-school students.
Duval County public school leaders used the March 4 meeting to spotlight expansion of career-and-technical education (CTE) health programs and a partnership with Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital that offers high-school students clinical training and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) pathway.
Vicky Gutierrez and CTE staff described a district-wide expansion of health-care academies and classroom labs equipped with industry-standard mannequins and an animatronics dissection table. The board heard that Westside High School and Atlantic Coast High School run CNA programs with clinical rotations at local hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Ascension St. Vincent’s representatives — including Jennifer Smith (director of nursing), Stormy Dulovich (chief nursing officer) and Emily Roth (workforce development manager) — joined district staff at the dais to describe an accredited CNA program at Westside.
Several students and instructors discussed the program in person. Kira Frazier, a Westside senior in the nursing assistant program, described clinical rotations at the hospital and earning a BLS/CPR credential during her coursework. Instructor Christopher McNeely and others highlighted partnerships that allow students to begin CNA training in high school, complete the required clinical hours and sit for state certification during their senior year.
Board members and the superintendent praised the programs for creating direct pathways from high school to health-care careers and for strengthening local workforce pipelines. No formal board action was required; the item was presented as a recognition and update.
Quotes from students and staff were limited to those who spoke at the presentation; Kira Frazier told the board, “This program has truly changed my life,” and said she planned to work as a CNA before pursuing further nursing education.
District staff said they would continue to expand clinical partnerships and report back on outcomes, including the number of students attaining credentials.
