MOHAVE COUNTY — Lake Havasu High School students can now begin preparing for a health care career without leaving their high school campus through a new Nursing Assistant Program created in partnership with Mohave College and the Western Arizona Vocational Education Joint Technical Education District.
The Arizona State Board of Nursing recently approved the program, clearing the way for students to earn college credit while gaining the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to pursue state certification as a nursing assistant.
“This partnership gives students an incredible opportunity to begin college and prepare for a meaningful career while they are still in high school,” Mohave College President Dr. Chrissy Holliday said. “It also creates a strong local pathway for students who want to continue their education and become the nurses and health care leaders our communities need.”
Mohave College, Lake Havasu High School and WAVE worked together to develop a dedicated nursing lab, classroom and schedule at the high school. Students can complete the one-semester Nursing Assistant course during their first and second class periods.
“Having a dedicated nursing classroom and lab at Lake Havasu High School gives students the opportunity to explore nursing and build confidence in a familiar environment while developing real, hands-on skills,” said Dr. Shannon Plane, Director of Nursing Programs at Mohave College. “This early exposure allows students to discover an interest in nursing and begin seeing themselves as part of the future nursing workforce.”
The course combines classroom instruction with practical and clinical experience. After successfully completing it, students are eligible to take the Arizona State Board of Nursing certification examination and begin pursuing employment as certified nursing assistants.
“This is a powerful example of what schools can accomplish when we work together to meet the needs of students and our communities throughout the region,” said Director of Early College Tiffany Gaffney, whose department at the college coordinates with local high schools and WAVE to provide free college credit opportunities for high school students. “This program brings college-level health care education directly to the students so they can earn a valuable credential to start a career in the medical industry.”
“One of the most rewarding parts of this program is helping students take their first steps toward a healthcare career while they are still in high school,” said Melda Felix, Early College Pathway Advisor at Mohave College. “Working with students through the registration process allows us to remove barriers, answer questions and help them feel confident about earning college credit. It is exciting to see them take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable skills, earn a credential and begin building their future in healthcare.
Nursing assistants provide essential care in hospitals, nursing facilities, home health settings and other health care environments. They can also provide an important first step for students interested in becoming registered nurses or advanced-practice health care professionals.
Students can also continue their education-to-career journey at Mohave College because the College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at all of its campuses. It also offers a new online RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
The bachelor’s program includes eight-week classes and options designed for working professionals. Another big plus, Mohave College tuition for bachelor’s degree programs is roughly one-quarter of tuition at universities.
Anyone who is interested in a future career in healthcare can get started by completing a student profile at FutureBighorn.com. Returning students should visit Mohave.edu/Admission, where they can also find contact information for College enrollment navigators who are available to assist them.
Fall semester classes start August 17. The RN-to-BSN program has course start dates approximately every eight weeks.
