OPRF students and teacher highlight CNA program as in-house testing, clinicals drive career readiness

Allison Hennings, who teaches the fundamentals of nursing at Oak Park and River Forest High School, told the school board on April 30 that the district’s CNA pathway combines classroom instruction, lab practice and clinical placements with community mentors. "Our nursing course is part of our health care career pathway," Hennings said, adding that the program offers a three-course sequence and an endorsement that can distinguish students applying to nursing programs.

Students who spoke at the board meeting described how clinical experience shaped career plans and built practical and interpersonal skills. "This class has provided me with more than just medical knowledge," said Kendra Gillan, a junior, who described finding direction through hands-on clinical experience and said the program fostered communication skills and empathy. Senior Taylor Jones cited clinical rotations at Rush Oak Park Hospital and said the experience confirmed a desire to pursue ICU nursing.

Hennings told the board the program holds the CNA test in-house and that, "At the end of that full-time, our students sit for the CNA exam and it is directly performed at 100%." She said offering the exam on campus increased accessibility; she also noted a national shortage of nursing seats and suggested CNA experience can help applicants stand out. Students said the program also supports college and career readiness beyond nursing, pointing to pathways into radiology, exercise science and other health fields.

The district also used the student showcase to recognize extracurricular achievements: the Special Olympics basketball team and several student artists, scholars and performers received board congratulations. Applause, a performing-arts support group, asked the board to consider increased investment in performing-arts expenses such as band uniforms, a line item later included on the consent agenda.

The board did not take additional action on the CNA program at the meeting; district leaders noted continued support for career-pathway offerings and partnerships with hospital and community mentors.