Danville outlines CTE Health and Medical Sciences pathway with clinical partnerships and credentialing opportunities

Danville Public Schools on Sept. 18 presented a detailed update on its Career and Technical Education (CTE) health and human services pathway, which the district says provides hands‑on training, clinical rotations and opportunities to earn industry‑recognized credentials.

Dr. Stone, who led the presentation, described two focus tracks — nurse aide and dental — and said students can begin introductory coursework in ninth grade then progress to specialized courses in grades 11–12 that prepare them for certification exams, including the Certified Nurse Aide assessment and dental assistant credentials.

Enrollment figures presented by staff showed 40 students in Intro to Health and Medical Sciences, 23 in Medical Terminology, 22 in the dental program and 55 in the nurse aide program. Dr. Stone and presenters credited community partnerships with hospitals, long‑term care centers and dental clinics (listed in the board packet) for providing clinical rotations and externships.

The update also highlighted HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) activities, volunteer events and a regional collaboration called the Southern Virginia Partnership for Health Sciences Careers aimed at articulating post‑secondary pathways to registered nursing and other credentials.

Board members asked about equity of access and how students learn about pathways. Dr. Stone said the district schedules pathway tours for eighth graders and is expanding exposure to younger students through the Innovate Academy, which adds exploratory offerings for fifth graders. No new funding decisions were made at the meeting.

The board applauded staff for building student readiness for immediate employment or continued education in health‑care fields.