The Newburgh Free Academy Health Science/Nurse Aide program began in 2006 with a small Nurse Aide Program for 12th grade students. These young men and women are now contributing members of the community as nurse aides, LPN’s, and nurses. Interest in the program has grown substantially since its inception, and in the 2018/2019 school year had 250 students enrolled in the pathway.

The Nurse Aide Program now teaches grades 10-12 in the health science pathway and had 60 students sitting for the NYS Nurse Aide certification exam in May 2019. The program is a source of inspiration academically, as students state that they “come to school because of this program”. Every student exits the program with the desire to attend college. Whether students pursue post-secondary education oremployment, every student is offered a job prior to graduation.

The Newburgh community strongly supports the program requirements through involvement in clinical rotation. Students are also supported and sponsored through a pin ceremony, scholarships, and employment. The community comes together to collaborate facilities, and in the 2018/19school year, held a “project hire” at the local armory. Employers offer resume-building, mock interviews, and other job-related skill assistance. Community support provides confidence to students and, in return, gives the community a continuous avenue for recruitment of program graduates.