FREEPORT — Highland Community College and FHN have partnered to host an Open House for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program from 2 to 5 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the Ray and Betty Stamm Health Science Nursing Wing of the Natural Science and Health Center (building N) on campus.

This is a great time to visit with instructors and students from Highland Nursing and Allied Health — and also speak with staff representatives from FHN about entering the field of nursing through the gateway of becoming a CNA. Student Services staff will be available to help with financial aid, placement testing and any paperwork attendees need to get started as a Highland student. The event offers a one-stop shop to register for the CNA program and start learning on a new career path.

Alumna Sarah Salazar credits her academic achievements from Highland Nursing and Allied Health with helping her secure a job she loves at FHN. 

“Highland’s CNA program prepared me very well for the real-world work of a CNA. The hands-on training helped me to be able to begin working confidently and to quickly become successful at FHN,” she said. “I’m already considering going back to Highland for my nursing degree and then on to complete a BSN.”

Interested new students could start at Highland as soon as March 11. Cassie Mekeel, RN, Basic Nursing Assistant Coordinator and Nursing and Allied Health Instructor, will be promoting Highland’s spring semester second eight-week class, along with courses in the summer and beyond. 

Contact cassie.mekeel@highland.edu or 815-599-3685 to learn more about the CNA Open House.