In Herrin High School’s bustling hallways, a unique opportunity is unfolding for students with an interest in healthcare. Led by Shelly Ohms, a registered nurse with years of clinical and teaching experience, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program provides students with vital skills and hands-on training in a field known for its high demand and impact. The CNA program goes beyond traditional academics, offering students a pathway to professional credentials and a promising future.

When Shelly joined Herrin High School 10 years ago, the CNA program wasn’t offered. She’s expanded her role, adding courses like Medical Terminology, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and Medical Careers Lab to create a comprehensive health sciences curriculum. “I’ve watched the program grow every year,” she says. “It’s incredible to see how much students gain from this experience.”

Shelly’s journey to Herrin High began in the ICU and medical units of area hospitals, where she spent 15 years as a nurse. After becoming a mother, she sought a career path that aligned with her children’s school schedule, leading her to pursue her school nurse certification and ultimately a teaching role.

The CNA program is demanding but rewarding. Each semester, up to eight students join Shelly for hands-on training, including clinical rotations at local nursing homes. Senior Laney Wright, a dedicated student in the program, appreciates the chance to gain practical skills and work closely with residents. “We’re there practicing and getting ready to enter the medical field,” she says. “Right now, we’re in clinicals, learning real-world skills that will help us.”

Laney plans to take her CNA certification exam over winter break, aiming to start working in healthcare immediately after graduation. “My goal is to enter a BSN program and eventually become a nurse practitioner,” she shares. Mrs. Ohms’ guidance has been instrumental, Laney adds, describing her teacher as a “superhero” who is always supportive, even while juggling a full teaching load and her duties as the program’s coordinator.

For students unsure about pursuing a CNA or other medical career, Shelly encourages starting with introductory classes, like Medical Careers Lab, to explore options before committing fully. One of the program’s highlights is its focus on job shadowing, allowing students to explore various career paths. Laney credits this opportunity with helping her clarify her goals. “Job shadowing really opened my eyes,” she says. “It showed me what I do and don’t want to do in healthcare, saving me time and money in the long run.”

The job shadowing and clinical rotations introduce students to the realities of healthcare. Shelly recalls the pride her students feel after completing tasks like assisting elderly residents. “There’s no generation gap,” she says. “These students genuinely care about the people they help, and they’re proud of the work they’re doing.” Shelly finds it deeply rewarding to watch students come full circle, gaining confidence and skills as they mature.

Enrollment for the CNA program is limited.  While Shelly can teach 16 students per semester in the classroom, she is limited to eight students in clinical rotations unless a second clinical instructor is available. Interest in the program continues to grow, with a waiting list of students eager to join. Other courses, like EMR, have similar caps, underscoring the program’s popularity among students.

In addition to classroom instruction, Shelly sponsors Herrin High’s HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) chapter, a club that gives students a platform for professional development and service. HOSA members participate in events like blanket-making for children’s hospitals and organize the school’s blood drives. “It’s about giving back to the community while also learning valuable skills,” Shelly explains.

Through HOSA, students also compete in any of up to 65 individual and team events which span a variety of medical occupations and skills, including forensic science, nursing, medical terminology, and many others. Last year, Shelly took 30 students to the Illinois HOSA State Leadership Conference, where five qualified for Internationals. The experience gives students a sense of pride and accomplishment, reinforcing their passion for healthcare. HOSA students hold fundraisers to help cover some of the expenses for traveling to these competitions.

Through Shelly Ohms’s leadership, the support of the Herrin School District, the aid of the Williamson County Education Service, and the dedication of students like Laney Wright, Herrin High’s CNA program is building a legacy of care, commitment, and community impact—one student at a time. At the same time, the community of Herrin can take pride in HOSA and the other medical programs offered at the High School, knowing it not only prepares students for high-demand careers but also instills compassion, confidence, and a sense of purpose in every graduate.