Through CCCHS, up to 10 students are eligible to enroll in a CAN class through Cloud County Community College. While training as a Certified Nursing Assistant, students learn how to assist patients with bathing, eating, getting dressed, going to bed, and using the restroom.  

Students are eligible to receive their license once they turn 16. Licensing includes a semester-long course, eight clinicals, and a final test. 

“Most of the class is online, but every other week you go to Abilene,” said junior Shae Urban, who took the class last spring. She described the clinics as a combination of lectures and tests, as well as online homework. 

“When you finally get on the floor, you go to a hallway and find a CNA to shadow for the day. The more clinics you are on, the more confident you become, and the more hands-on you get to be. Instead of watching the CNA, eventually the CNA watches you,” she said. 

She now works at the Linn Community Nursing Home where she takes on six-hour shifts. Because she wrestles, her schedule allows for every other weekend, which will increase this summer. Urban said her favorite part of the job is helping residents. 

“You have to have a good mindset about it, you have to be patient with them. Sometimes the residents just don’t understand,” Urban said. She said that the hardest part of her job is watching residents that she’s worked with for so long pass away, “it’s sad watching them decline,” she said.

Another CCCHS student, junior Madelyn Stogsdill, took the course last semester. 

“At first, you don’t feel super confident, especially if you aren’t used to the older generations,” Stogsdtill said. “It’s also hard because you don’t really know any of the workers, and you’re trying to understand a CNA schedule.”

This combination of taking the class, then working in a real-life setting helped her get past that and feel more confident in the job, Stogsdtill said. 

“It really helped going to clinicals and understanding more about what CNA does.” Stogsdill said the hardest part of the class is when going on the floor for the first time. However, it was a role that got easier with time. 

“When I graduate I want to become an RN [Registered Nurse] and eventually get my BSN [Bachelors in Science of Nursing],” Stogsdill said. 

“The CNA class helped me realize that I really like thinking critically about how I can help people, not just emotionally, but also through physical caretaking.”

Students interested in enrolling in the CNA course for future semesters can talk to Mrs. Lee or Mr. Moran at least a semester in advance. 

Students who have acquired or who are currently enrolled to earn their CNA license during the 2025-2026 school year:

• Jarrin Brumfield

• Sophia Carrier

• Jaycee Charbonneau

• Addison Colp

• Shelby Coyle

• Lily Edwards

• Ericka Johnston

• Alana Liby

• Bryn Lund

• Addyson Pladson

• Averi Schurle

• Madelyn Stogsdill