Several area high school students were able to obtain not only high school credit but college course credits too this year thanks to a partnership between Des Moines Area Community College and Dallas County Hospital.

Juniors and seniors had the opportunity to take four, three-credit hour courses that introduced them to health care careers.  Upon completion of the four classes, students were then equipped with the tools needed to take and pass the state’s Certified Nurse Aid (CAN) test and start working in a hospital or nursing home.

In addition to classroom instruction, the students also completed a total of 60 practical work hours to give them a taste of what it’s like to work one of the applicable jobs.

Each year, several students from area high schools take advantage of the opportunity and the course will continued to be offered again starting this fall.