Twenty-six Pattonville High School seniors earned credentials as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) after passing the Missouri State CNA Certification Exam at the end of this school year.

The CNA certification requires students to complete 75 hours of rigorous classroom training and 100 hours of on-the-job training as well as pass the two-part final examination. Students can use their certification for employment immediately after high school or to build their college resume prior to applying to a health care program of study.

The following students earned their CNA designation this year: Taki Agnew, Richa Boara, Slena Caldwell, Madison Egner, India Henry, Sophia Hinojosa Sada, Zoey James, Kayin Jones, Natalie Lawien, John Lewis, Sarah Livingston, Rachel Luebbers, Maria Madden, Seraphyna Margraff, JaMya McAlister, Nicole McDaniel, Dezyre McDowell, Tory Miniex, Abigail Moody, Autumn Otis, Arisbel Mendieta-Papalotzi, Hayleigh Ratliff, Mathilda Sorbello, Jaida Williams, Nathan Williams and Tori Zavala. Their teacher was Anjie Stendeback.

Pattonville’s CNA program is a year-long course designed to increase the interest in healthcare by introducing students to the variety of opportunities and benefits of the industry. The first semester consists of foundational and skills curriculum to prepare students to function safely and competently in clinical areas. They are taught a CNA curriculum and medical terminology during their classroom time, including CPR training. Second semester involves clinical experiences three to four days a week in area hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.