Donors support growth of Elizabethtown High School CNA program

At Elizabethtown High School, a growing group of students passionate about healthcare are finding life-changing opportunities through the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, made possible by donations provided through Baptist Health Foundation Hardin. This funding covers every expense, including tuition, books, liability fees, and insurance, allowing students to attend classes at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College without the weight of financial burden. 

“Students are out zero dollars every single year,” Laura Berger, Workforce Coordinator for Elizabethtown Independent Schools, said. 

What began several years ago with just five students has steadily grown; nine students enrolled last year, a milestone year when every student passed the state exam for the first time. This year, the program has blossomed to 14 students. 

Entry into the program is competitive, with careful consideration of GPA, attendance, school discipline, and, importantly, each student’s personal goals for their CNA certification. 

“We want to make sure those who join are serious about this career path,” Laura explained. 

Throughout the fall semester, students dedicate several days a week to both learning and practicing. They take detailed notes on CNA topics, drill skills repeatedly, and gain invaluable real-world experience by shadowing CNAs at a nearby nursing home – all preparing them to pass the state exam with confidence. 

One student, Alexis Hayes, stands out. A senior at Elizabethtown High School, Alexis became the first junior to complete the program last year. 

“In the past, we've only opened it up to seniors,” Laura said. “But Alexis came to us last year and said, ‘I’m very interested in this, and I want to go into the medical profession.’ She fit all the criteria and did an excellent job.” 

Now working as a CNA at an addiction recovery clinic, Alexis reflects on how the program has solidified her dreams. 

“My job, plus my experience in a hospital and nursing home, is really good to put on a resume when applying for nursing school,” she said. “I was worried, like, ‘what if I don’t like this?’ But being in the class and being in a clinical setting showed me this is really what I want to do. Eventually, I want to be a nurse practitioner or a CRNA. I feel like any good doctor or nurse practitioner needs to know all of it to do your job well in the medical field.” 

Thanks to the grant, Alexis and her classmates can focus fully on their studies without the stress of financial barriers. 

“We could just focus on the class and studying,” Alexis said. “If someone couldn't afford to take the class, they could still have that opportunity if they wanted to pursue being a CNA.” 

For Laura, the support from donors is an investment in the future of Hardin County. 

“It means everything to me,” Laura said. “For the school system, for myself personally, to see these young men and women do this – it’s kind of like ‘grow your own.’ We want to bring these young people back to our area since Baptist is growing so rapidly here.” 

Without this grant, many students would never have the chance to take this college-level class. 

“The school system can’t afford to send the kids over, so this has really opened some doors,” Laura said. 

As the health science pathway at Elizabethtown High School continues to expand, the CNA program is poised to reach full capacity soon. 

“I hope it becomes a full class – 16 students,” Laura said. “We’re almost there.” 

Through this partnership, Elizabethtown High School is equipping its students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the healthcare field, and helping build a stronger, homegrown medical workforce ready to serve their own neighbors. 

“We want to bring them back to our area,” Laura said. “We want them to be part of our community.”