JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Public Schools has 68 career academies available to high school students who want to prepare for the next step in their lives.
This weekend, parents and students can learn more about the academies during the first-ever Career and Technical Education Academy Showcase.
The career academies are part of the district’s Career and Technical Education program (CTE).
Among the academies available to high school students is one focused on medical sciences.
Three local high schools -- Westside, Atlantic Coast and Ribault -- provide students with the opportunity to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Students can use the certification to work as a CNA after graduation or as a stepping stone to other career opportunities in the medical field after they graduate high school.
Daniel Gomez, a senior at Westside High School is enrolled in the academy along with 15 classmates.
“I want to become a neurosurgeon or an anesthesiologist,” he said.
The group shadows medical staff at Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital in Riverside every Tuesday, as part of its clinical work as seniors.
Shonkiria Hunt, who is also part of the program, wants to become an E.R. nurse when she graduates from Westside High.
“I took vital signs, blood pressure, and I actually helped a patient get discharged,” she explained about her time working at the hospital so far this year.
Jowann Wade, a CTE medical specialist who works for the Duval County school district, told News4JAX that as a registered nurse, she loves the opportunities the career academy is providing to students while they are still in high school.
“We’re creating a pathway and opportunities for them that may not exist in a traditional school setting,” Wade said.
Christopher McNealy, the instructor at Westside High, has been working with the students, who started their CNA training in 9th grade.
It is a four-year commitment. Students need to apply to be considered for the medical sciences academy.
The students learn CPR, first aid, anatomy, physiology and more. They get their clinical experience during their senior year spending time at a long-term care facility and at a local hospital.
Westside High School students partner with Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside. Students at Atlantic Coast High School get their clinical training at Mayo Clinic. Ribault High School’s program is just starting.
Parents can learn more about all the career academies offered within Duval County Public Schools by visiting the Career Showcase from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at EverBank Stadium, East Club.
Parking is free. To learn more about the district’s career academies, which used to be referred to as vocational schools, click here.
We also spoke with the Director of Nursing at St. Vincent’s Riverside about the impact the clinical studies are having on students and the staff at the hospital. Press play below to see her interview.
The director of Duval County Public Schools' Career and Technical Education program joined me on The Morning Show to explain more about the various academies available to high school students.
Press play below to see her interview.