From classroom to career: New Hampton High School students gain local access to CNA training

For students at New Hampton High School, the path to a health care career just got significantly shorter.

For years, aspiring nursing professionals in the district faced a hurdle before they even began their training: a commute. To become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), students had to drive to Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) locations. Beginning this January, the training is coming directly to them.

In a partnership designed to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs, New Hampton High School students can now begin earning their CNA certificate within the walls of their own school.

Real-world training, no commute required

The initiative is more than just a textbook class. The high school and NICC have transformed a classroom into a fully functional health lab.

"This would allow us to have it here and would be a huge benefit for our students, who now have to drive to Cresco or Calmar if they want to take a CNA course," said Matt Manson, New Hampton High School principal.

Stepping into the classroom feels less like high school and more like a hospital wing. The space is equipped with three bays that each have a hospital bed, furnishings, a manikin, privacy curtains and an ample supply of equipment to create a realistic clinical setting comparable to any NICC campus facility.

Here, students will master personal care skills, learn patient rights and practice communication techniques vital for treating geriatric and special populations.

"By completing this training, they truly become health care professionals," said Jomarie Lund, NICC CNA coordinator. "We want to support the students who have the dedication to do this work."

Designed with the busy high school lifestyle in mind, students will attend lectures during the school day and complete their hands-on lab and clinicals in the evenings, allowing them to balance their high school diploma work with professional certification.

Building a healthier community

This partnership comes at a critical time. With a pressing need for health care workers across Northeast Iowa, this program creates a vital connection between the high school and local care facilities.

Upon passing their state testing, graduates can immediately find employment at local facilities or use their credits to jumpstart a degree in the College's Practical Nursing or Associate of Science programs. Historically, NICC CNA students have a strong track record, with a 90% pass rate for 2025.

"While Iowa faces a shortage of direct care workers, this challenge creates exceptional career prospects for our students," said Lund. "There is immense potential for professional growth and job security in this field. Our partners at New Hampton health care facilities are eager to see this program thrive, and we are committed to building the pipeline of skilled professionals they need."