Health Science Pathway Marks The End Of Its First Year

Columbus Community Hospital’s Health Science Pathway program recently celebrated the conclusion of its inaugural year.

The educational program is a collaboration between area high schools, Central Community College and the hospital, allowing students to learn about careers in the medical field. It includes a series of classes that meet requirements from the state of Nebraska and explore various areas of health care.

Students participating in the program receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training and learn Stop the Bleed ® techniques as part of their course curriculum. This fall, 69 students received their Stop the Bleed® certification, and 67 received their basic life support (BLS) and CPR certification. An additional 14 students received their certificates earlier this spring.

Students who complete the program in its entirety can become certified nursing assistants (CNAs) through the college. This year, eight students enrolled in the pilot class at Columbus High School. The additional course required students to dedicate extra time outside their regular school schedule to meet the number of hours required by the State of Nebraska. All eight students passed the state exam and will appear on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry.

Hospital leaders also lowered the minimum age requirement for CNAs to 16, allowing students who become CNAs through the program to begin gaining experience immediately.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these students,” said Wendy Kallhoff, Health Science Pathway instructor with the hospital. “They dedicated their time to be successful in the newly developed Health Science Pathway program. They are great students, and I can’t wait to see how they impact the health care system in the future!”

To learn more about Columbus Community Hospital and the services it provides, visit columbushosp.org.