The seven students in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course this spring have begun their clinical rotation. They are members of the 26th CNA class at Red River High School since 1998.

The instructor is Dawn Brewer, a registered nurse. She said “the students will complete 100 hours of clinical practice to complete the course. Again this spring we are going to Natchitoches Community Care Center.”

Students in CNA are dual-enrolled at Mansfield LTC as well as Red River High. They will travel to Natchitoches each day through May. Brewer said “upon graduation from this course they will be job ready. They can go to work this summer.”

Students enrolled this semester are Rodnesha Demery, Tichina Jefferson, Wilteona Rainey, Nykeria Shivers, Deja Sibley, Destiny Speed and Cody Blankenship. Brewer estimated that over 100 students have earned their CNA since 1998.

To enroll in Certified Nursing Assistant program a student must attend Red River High, pass the TABE (Test of Applied Basic Education) test, and be at least 15 years of age. The only cost to the students is the uniform they wear for clinical rotation.