For students at Byron High School, the path to a career in healthcare often begins with Rachel Rankin. As the CNA Program Coordinator and instructor, Rachel leads courses in Certified Nursing Assistant training, medical terminology, and an introduction to health occupations. Her work not only prepares students for immediate job opportunities but also inspires them to consider long-term careers in a high-demand field.

“This is my fourth year in this role,” Rachel shares. “It’s incredible to watch these students gain skills and confidence that can change their futures. Many of them go on to become nurses or explore other areas of healthcare, and that’s really rewarding.”

Rachel’s program is a unique offering, fully integrated into the school day. Unlike similar programs that require students to attend classes after hours or at outside facilities, Byron’s CNA program is structured to fit seamlessly into students’ schedules. “We don’t have to do clinicals outside of school hours, which means students can still participate in sports, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs,” 

Rachel explains. “It’s also far more affordable than taking these classes at a community college.”

Each year, Rachel teaches up to 32 students across four classes, guiding them through hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge. The program includes a dedicated lab that mirrors a hospital room, complete with beds, medical equipment, and all the tools students need to practice real-world scenarios. Clinical experience is provided through a partnership with Generations, a local long-term care facility. 

“Generations has been amazing,” Rachel says. “They not only support our students during clinicals but also offer tuition reimbursement for those students who continue to work there and want to continue their nursing education.”

One of Rachel’s proudest success stories involves a student from her very first CNA class. “She completed the program, pursued her nursing degree, and at just 21 years old, she’s already working as a nurse in Rockford,” Rachel says. “Hearing stories like that makes all the effort worth it.”

Rachel’s journey to education began in the healthcare field, where she worked as a nurse for 16 years, primarily in a cancer center with patients nearing the end of life. “I loved nursing, but I saw this opportunity as a chance to make a different kind of impact,” she shares. “Instead of caring for patients directly, I now get to help students start their futures in healthcare.”

At first, Rachel balanced her teaching role with her nursing career, but eventually, she transitioned fully into education. “It was hard to juggle both,” she admits. “But I love what I do here, and I want to give it my full attention.”  Rachel also teaches as an adjunct faculty member with Rock Valley College’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.

The success of Byron’s CNA program is rooted not only in Rachel’s dedication but also in the partnerships she’s cultivated. In addition to working closely with Generations, the program is tied to Rock Valley Community College, offering dual-credit opportunities that allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. “We follow the state curriculum, but we also align closely with Rock Valley’s program,” Rachel explains. “It’s great for students who want to continue their education after graduation.”

Rachel’s impact extends beyond Byron’s borders. The program is open to students from neighboring districts, including Oregon and Stillman Valley, whose schools don’t offer similar opportunities. “It’s wonderful to see students from other communities benefit from what we’ve built here,” she says.

Reflecting on her work, Rachel is quick to credit the support she receives from the Byron administration and the community at large. “The students here are eager to learn, and the administration is incredibly supportive,” she says. “This program wouldn’t be what it is without that foundation.”

With high demand for healthcare professionals, Rachel sees a bright future for her students. “The job market is fantastic,” she says. “Graduates from this program can find work right away, and many of them use it as a stepping stone to nursing or other fields.”

For Rachel Rankin, teaching isn’t just about imparting skills—it’s about creating opportunities and inspiring students to envision a brighter future. Through her leadership, Byron’s CNA program has become a beacon of possibility for students eager to make a difference in the world of healthcare.