When administrators at Russellville High School decided to implement the new Academies so students interested in certain career paths could have a more focused course of study, they knew the students would benefit greatly from it.

But what has become evident now is the positive effect the Academies, as well as other Career Technical courses, have on the community as well as local businesses.

A good example of this comes from the Russellville High School Health Sciences’ Nurse Aid class, which, for the third year in a row, has a 100 percent pass rate from students who took the Certified Nurse Aid test this spring.

Dr. Stephanie Oliver, Health Sciences instructor at RHS, said all 19 students passed both the skills and knowledge portions of the exam and now have their CNA certifications, which will allow them to obtain a job immediately.

“Any of these students who have this certification can apply for jobs at nursing homes, hospitals, doctor’s offices and even private duty,” Oliver said. “A couple of our current students have actually already been hired by two of our local nursing homes making $10.50 an hour, which is a very good amount for a high school student.”

Mark DeArman, administrator of Burns Nursing & Rehab in Russellville, said he has hired students from this program who have received their CNA certification, and it has been a great benefit to him as a business owner because each student has been knowledgeable and well-prepared.

“It seems like the last few years we have had a shortage of LPNs and CNAs in Franklin County,” DeArman said. “We were hiring a lot of nurses and CNAs from the surrounding counties. Now we have several quality CNAs on staff that are graduates of the RHS HOSA program. It has helped us keep our nurse staffing at optimum levels; therefore, we are better prepared to give quality nursing care to our community.

“Burns Nursing & Rehab has been grateful to have such a great relationship with RHS and Dr. Oliver’s HOSA classes. When Dr. Oliver and her students come to our facility for clinical, everyone is polite, respectful and professional. She goes above and beyond by preparing her students to be caring, well-rounded future employees.”

RHS Principal Jason Goodwin said he is proud of these community partnerships and many others their school has been able to cultivate and promote.

“When our students are able to grow, learn and prosper because of the things they are learning, the courses they are taking, and the opportunities they are being given, we consider that a huge success,” Goodwin said. “But being able to also help our community and be an asset to the businesses around us … is a something we consider to be a great success as well.

“We appreciate those in our community who partner with us and provide opportunities for our students through clinicals, internships, job shadowing, and actual job opportunities.”

Goodwin and Oliver said they appreciate the other businesses that have partnered with the school and the Health Sciences department to offer unique and valuable learning opportunities for their students: Russellville Hospital, Russellville Health Care, Encore, Campbell’s Vision Clinic, Russellville Animal Clinic, Russellville Drugs, Hometown Pharmacy, Family Pharmacy, Dr. Hammack’s Office and Davita Dialysis.