West Hill launches inaugural CNA pathway; 25 students enrolled this year

West Hill this fall launched its first certified nursing assistant (CNA) course as part of the Stamford School District's expanded high‑school health occupations pathway.

Camille Quattrochi, West Hill's content leader for physical education and health and the program's lead teacher, said the district runs a sequential pathway: an introductory healthcare course (70 students enrolled this year), a medical terminology/skills class (49 students), and the new CNA class, which was capped at 25 for its inaugural year. "This is being the 1st year having CNA," Quattrochi said. "We actually had higher interest, but we were at a program max for 25 this year." She added the district expects demand to grow and anticipates the CNA enrollment could double next year as current students progress into their senior year.

Quattrochi said the district cleared a state inspection of the school medical lab in August to meet licensure standards, and Excel Academy—an outside provider—supplies registered nurses who alternate as instructors alongside a Stamford Public Schools teacher. Students will complete clinical hours at Civita, a Stamford long‑term health center, and finish 60 clinical hours to become eligible to sit for the competency exam in May. "Upon completion, they'll become state certified, and they'll be able to work in health care facilities as a certified nursing assistant," Quattrochi said.

Committee members asked how the school will support students who do not pass the competency exam on the first attempt. Miss Foye, committee chair, asked what steps exist for students who need to retake the exam and whether costs for retakes would be covered. Quattrochi said students have two years to complete the program requirements, that Prometric administers the exam, and that Excel Academy instructors already provide makeup exams and one‑on‑one supports. She also said accommodations for two students with IEPs and bilingual students were submitted to the state in advance. "All the tests that they're taking this semester prepare them for the exam," she said, adding the instructors have done makeup exams and provided additional supports.

District staff said they will follow up with Excel Academy on passing rates and whether the district will cover retake fees for students who need financial assistance. The presentation drew praise from committee members for providing students with a direct path into healthcare careers and hands‑on experience during school hours.

The committee thanked West Hill staff for the update; no formal board action was taken at the meeting.