Twenty-six scholars from the Health Science Career Education Pathway celebrated their accomplishment with a traditional pinning ceremony. Pins were presented to candidates for completion of requirements for: NYS Certified Nursing Assistant and Nurse Assistant. A pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of newly graduated nurses into the nursing profession. 

Three alumni from the program returned to show support and highlight their accomplishments since their pinning ceremonies. Each of the alumni shared their story of challenge and accomplishment as well as offering love, support, and advice to the future generations of healthcare professionals. Christine Pagliaro, Class of 2010, spoke of her joys and challenges as she embarked on her journey from NFA Nurse Aide to RN. Thomas Baker, Class of 2019, shared his journey from the onset of pandemic, learning in a virtual world, and challenges he faced as he began his college journey toward RN. Briana Hutchinson, Class of 2019, shared her journey leading her from NFA Nurse Aide to an advanced RN program in North Carolina. She shared her goals of being a Nurse Practitioner as well as solid college do’s and don’ts. 

Mrs. Linda Romano addressed the students, reminding them that they are the “foundation of the program, and while they may be graduating, they can count on endless love and support from her.”

Scholars recited the Nursing Assistant Oath after receiving certificates and pins.

A special thanks to those who have supported these programs all year: Wingate Nursing Care Center, Beacon, New York and  Mr. Bill Kaplan, Nancy Proyect, and Mr. Andy Komonchak from the Newburgh Unity Armory Center.

Prior to the event, students participated in a virtual and in person recruitment and interviews. Several scholars received full-time jobs. Students developed their resumes and cultivated interview skills in addition to completing requirements, developing skills, and passing necessary tests to be eligible for the available positions. In addition to the NYS Nurse Aide Certification, the students have all been certified in Basic Life Support CPR, AED, and First Aid.

The Health Science Career Education Pathway program is one of 21 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that are offered to high school students at Newburgh Free Academy. 

All photos of the 2022 NFA CNA Pinning Ceremony can be viewed and downloaded for free by clicking this link.

Requirements for this level of completion:

NYS Certified Nursing Assistant: Candidates have successfully completed all course requirements, earned half a year Academic Credit in Health, two Career and Technical Education elective credits, and have earned the CTE endorsement on their diploma. The students are now in the NYS Office of Professions and NYS Department of Health Registry, they hold the credentials and title of NYS Certified Nurse Assistant. 

Once completed, the pathway offers students the opportunity to pursue careers in long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals where basic bedside care is needed. Curriculum is mandated by the New York State Department of Health and includes the required clinical hours in a nursing facility. Students graduate with a New York State Nurse Aide Certification and have the ability to work in a variety of care settings including Nursing home, hospital, doctors office, and home care.

The candidates have also served as volunteers by bringing healthcare education and wellness to our community’s young scholars ages 5-13 through Mrs. Romano’s Saturday Scholars in Scrubs and Middle School Scholars in Scrubs located at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center.