Are you interested in a career in the healthcare field? Carmel High School’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program provides students with a head start through hands-on, real-world experience. Students begin with Principles of Healthcare, exploring a variety of health careers and practicing foundational skills like patient care basics, safety, and professionalism. They then progress through Healthcare Fundamentals, learning medical terminology, human anatomy, and how to read and interpret medical records.

In the Healthcare Specialist: CNA program, students gain hands-on practice providing care under the direction of licensed nurses. This includes assisting patients with daily living activities, taking vital signs, understanding the healthcare delivery system, and caring for long-term care residents, including those with dementia. Individuals who successfully complete this course are eligible to apply to sit for the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) certification exam for nursing assistants. Seniors may opt for the Nursing Capstone, gaining substantial internship experience in hospitals, extended care facilities, or home health settings.

Upon completing the program, students are prepared to earn CNA certification and qualify for entry-level healthcare positions, while gaining valuable insight into nursing and other health-related careers.

The CNA program is just one of more than 35 Career Pathways at Carmel High School, each designed to give students meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers. From engineering and technology to media, arts, business, and health sciences, students can explore, experiment, and discover their passions — all while preparing for success beyond high school.

Carmel High School: Where Potential Meets Opportunity