Whitley High students choose career pathway in Allied Health

Photo submitted. Pictured from left to right is Corbin Vocational Health Sciences Coordinator Julia Rollins, Shaelyn Dople, McKenzie Elswick, Jessica Reed, and Superintendent John Siler.

Students in the Allied Health career pathway at Whitley County High School are currently doing clinical rotations at The Heritage, an assisted care facility, in Corbin.

SRNA (State Registered Nursing Assistant) graduates are employed in every avenue of the healthcare industry including hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, clinics, chiropractor, and dentist offices.

Students who complete the Allied Health program have the advantage of graduating with healthcare credentials right out of high school which gives them the ability to apply for jobs upon graduation from WCHS.

Superintendent John Siler traveled to The Heritage to evaluate the program and support the students as they provide services and care for the residents. “I feel that this program is very vital to those who want to enter the health field,” said Siler. “We know that there are a number of jobs available for those who choose a career in healthcare and more are coming.” He spoke with the students about their experience and what they have learned from it.

WCHS student Shaelyn Dople said, “We have been in the program for two years and this is our first clinical rotation. We received our basic classes at the high school. I really recommend this program to anyone who has compassion and is willing to care for others.”

According to Corbin Vocational Health Science Director Julia Rollins, “Students who participate in the SRNA program will have the opportunity to become certified at the end of their rotations. We have been truly blessed to have such a fine group of students from Whitley County that have chosen a career in healthcare. To watch these students grow from last year to this year is very exciting. I see hearts of servants from these students. These students will take their state test this May and I am very confident that they will pass the exam. They will earn the American Heart Association CPR certification, as well as OSHA 10 training. OSHA 10 training is something new that allows the students to receive a higher level of training.”

All of the students participating are planning on becoming Registered Nurses. These students are learning to transfer residents, obtain vital signs, bathe, feed, shower, and change residents. The students are supervised and evaluated daily.

WCHS student Jessica Reed told Superintendent Siler, “You have to have a passion for people. You have to love people and be willing to care for them. I wear my scrubs sometimes to school and am asked what I do and I tell them that I am becoming an SRNA. Some didn’t realize that this program is offered at our school, and I tell them to talk with the Guidance Counselors if they are interested.”

Mackenzie Elswick commented, “I think this program has taught me to be a people person. I was a backward person until getting into this program. It has really taught me communication skills.”

Mr. Siler thanked the students for sharing their experiences and feels confident that the Allied Health program is preparing students with the skills needed to have a jumpstart as they pursue their healthcare careers.