Mission, Texas- Twenty-two students from Mission High School (MHS) and Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) are ready to enter the professional workforce, before they get their high school diplomas. The dual enrollment Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) students have been working on their skills and knowledge through the program offered through the district’s partnership with South Texas College.
Their hard work paid off when all of the participating students passed the state certification exam. No other high school program in the area had a 100% passing rate on the state certification exams. The exam consists of two parts: a skills test with an examiner, and a written test.
The 22 students can now obtain employment as a CNA, which some have already done. Some of the students are juniors and will continue their studies next school year in the dual enrollment phlebotomy-EKG certification program offered at Mission CISD (Consolidated Independent School District). Students who complete both programs successfully earn a certificate from South Texas College in Patient Care Assistant. This gives them a direct line toward an Registered Nurse Associate’s Degree.
The certified CNA students are: Danielle Alaffa, Camila Castorena, Rizalyn Joy Dela Torre, Stefanie Florez, Leslie Garza, Monica Gonzalez, Lissete Vela, Katlyn Zapata, Juana Briseno, Samantha Esquivel, Joanna Montantes, Nancy Rangel, Amber Cruz, Jennifer Gonzalez, Samantha Gracia, Keyla Beltran, Diego Bustillos, Samantha Buzo, Roxanna Cortes, Ashley Flores, Matthew Guerra, Alyssa Olivarez.
For instructor, Aurora Villanueva-Gonzalez, this achievement is particularly sweet. Ten years ago, she was a senior at Mission High School, about to graduate after studying medical sciences. This is her first full year as an instructor at Mission High School.
Pictured are the 22 Mission High School and Veterans Memorial High School CNA students who are workforce ready before they receive their high school diplomas.
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