Nursing assistant training and job placement program for high school students

The NH Needs Caregivers! initiative is a grant-funded effort to encourage and help individuals start a healthcare career as a nursing assistant. Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) – also frequently called “Certified Nursing Assistants” (CNAs) or simply “caregivers” – are needed throughout New Hampshire’s healthcare community.

These individuals provide critical services and filling these positions is vital to ensuring that we can care for all Granite Staters in their time of need.

The “Healthcare Heroes in the Making” program focuses the NH Needs Caregivers model on high school students. We structure trainings around students’ academic coursework and work with schools’ Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) coordinators to provide academic credit for their coursework.

The program pays for training and licensing costs, and it’s a great way for students to learn lifetime skills.

This program was created to encourage more young people to consider a career in caregiving and help meet workforce needs. It is generously supported by grant funding and run through the Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center.  

The NH Needs Caregivers team works hand-in-hand with schools’ ELO coordinators or academic advisors to verify students’ eligibility for the program (so that they receive academic credit).

The ELO coordinator or advisor will submit the application on behalf of the student, and from there, the program director will review the student’s application.

1. Once approved, the student will need to fill out the training application to get started.
2. After a student has finished training and earned their license, the program director will provide job placement assistance.

An LNA provides basic but essential nursing care which includes assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and mobility. Among other tasks, they also take vital signs, observe and report information and keep patient’s company.

Many students use becoming an LNA as a starting point to a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a Registered Nurse (RN) or even a surgical tech – and many also build a life-long career as an LNA.

Wherever one sees a career in healthcare, gaining real-world experience as an LNA is a great way to start!

To get started, a student must contact their ELO coordinator or their academic advisor.

Based on the terms of the grant, the program director will verify student eligibility so that the student will receive free training and academic credit.

Many students use becoming an LNA as a first step in entering the healthcare field – from an LNA to a Medication Nursing Assistant (MNA) to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and onto a Registered Nurse (RN).

However, starting off as an LNA can open doors to specialty fields outside of nursing too, such as:

• Social worker
• Occupational therapist
• Healthcare Administrator
• Physician Assistant or Physician
• And many others!

For a full list of career options, take a look at the Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center’s Health Career Catalogue or download this NH Nursing Careers Pathways flyer.