Madison.com: Lidia Velasco signed up for the certified nursing assistant class at Verona High School because it was a deal she couldn’t pass up.
“It’s a really good opportunity because as long as you pass, Verona High School pays for this class,” said the high school junior.
In addition, the school pays for the test students need to take to become certified as a CNA, she said. The school does not pay if students have to retake the exam.
The class is taught by Madison Area Technical College instructors who expect the same from high school students as they do older students. Students must apply for the class and meet certain requirements that include background checks and immunizations, said Amy Moschkau, school-to-career coordinator at Verona High School.
Verona students not only get high school credit, but also get three credits from Madison Area Technical College. Typically the class would cost a student about $500.
Verona is one of four high schools in Dane County to offer the class in their buildings although two other schools send their students to a neighboring district’s program. The class is offered each semester in Verona to a maximum of 16 students.