Alamosa High School partnered with Adams State University to offer students the opportunity to participate in a Certified Nurse Assistant program during the fall semester. Upon successful completion of their coursework, students will take their board exam and then be able to enter the field of healthcare.
Andy Lavier, Adams State Class of 1997 and Alamosa High School principal, approached Kristi Hillis, MSN, RN, Alamosa District School Nurse, with the idea of starting the program. He wants more career and technical education classes for students. “With the current nursing shortage, we wanted to help get more students in the healthcare field,” Hillis said. “Our hope is that they are able to enter the workforce as a CNA and then continue on into the nursing field if they choose.”
Hillis appreciates the help from Adams State. “We could not have done this without Adams State.” Adams State Nursing Department Chair Melissa Milner, D.N.P., helped Hillis with the state board application. “Melissa and Kim Chacon (assistant professor of nursing) are there for me as a reference when I have questions.” Renae Haslett, Adams State Extended Studies program director, helped get the program set up so that it is a dual enrollment class.
