Fortis Academy is ushering in a new era of career opportunities for Harris County students with the launch of its Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class. The initiative empowers high schoolers on their journey to sobriety with comprehensive knowledge about the human body and practical skills in healthcare.

The program is the brainchild of Principal Travita Godfrey and Registered School Nurse Kaynell Simpson, who found an approved curriculum that demands 100 hours of rigorous instruction, culminating with students taking the Texas CNA certification exam. The school then partnered with Launch Point Community Development Center, a nonprofit that provides resources to develop and advance the betterment of youth. Launch Point purchased textbooks, personalized Fortis Academy scrubs and medical equipment for clinical practices.

“I’ve enjoyed starting this class and think our students are grateful for the opportunity,” Simpson said. “We wanted to give them a skill so when they finish school, they can get a job working as a nursing assistant, but I also try to get them to understand that this class can be a stepping stone to other professions in the medical field.” 

Rodrigo Hernandez, a senior from Aldine High School, developed an interest in nursing several years ago while visiting his grandmother in Mexico. When her health began to decline, the family hired an in-home CNA to help complete daily activities, provide primary medical care and relay vital information to her doctors.

“They had a really special relationship, and when my grandmother passed away, the CNA spoke at her funeral about their time together,” Hernandez said. “That’s when I realized I also wanted to help people, connect with them and be there when they need it most.”

Despite joining the class a few weeks late, Henandez has shown dedication and determination to catch up to his peers by putting in extra hours after class on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

“It was really hard, but this is what I want to do, and I knew it would be worth it in the end,” Hernandez said.

Throughout the 60 hours of academic lectures, students study diverse topics designed to prepare them for the responsibilities and challenges of providing primary care to patients. Students learn everything from fundamental skills such as taking vital signs and assisting with personal hygiene to understanding how human anatomy and physiology are affected by diseases or injuries.

“I’m proud of our students because they’ve come a long way,” Simpson said. “They started in direct care by telling students how to greet the patient, give them privacy and use standard precautions. Then we started emulating a resident using a transfer belt and assisting residents needing a bedpan.”

Currently, the class is working to complete 40 hours of clinical instruction led by a licensed practical nurse (LPN) with more than 20 years of medical experience. Sponsored by Launch Point, the LPN trains students to assist patients with mobility, transfers and positioning to prevent falls or injuries. Instructors also emphasize to students the importance of communication and compassion for patients throughout their services.

As Hernandez participates in the CNA program and gains hands-on experience, he described feeling lucky as his older sister is also working to obtain a CNA certification at a local community college.

“Seeing all of the opportunities we have at Fortis, like CNA, culinary arts and dual credit programs, it’s awesome,” Hernandez said. “My sister and students at my home campus interested in CNA have to wait until they graduate, but I get to take classes and get my certification in high school, and that feels good.”

Students are expected to take the state qualifying exam in May. After graduating, Hernandez hopes to gain employment as a certified nursing assistant at a local retirement center or hospital.

For more info, visit www.hcde-texas.org.