Northwood Tech Partners With Local School Districts to Prepare High School Students for Nursing Careers to Meet Regional Workforce Demand
Through a growing partnership led by Northwood Technical College, high school students in the Superior and Northwestern school districts are taking meaningful steps toward careers in health care — before they graduate.
The collaborative nursing assistant (NA) coursework allows students to earn a short-term technical diploma while still in high school. The program serves as a prerequisite for students planning to pursue associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing and offers immediate workforce opportunities for those entering the health care field.
A Direct Path to
Careers in Health Care
Nursing assistants — also known as nurse aides or patient care assistants — provide hands-on care under the supervision of licensed nurses and medical staff. Their responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities and supporting patients’ comfort, safety and dignity.
Northwood Tech’s Nursing Assistant program prepares students for employment in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, assisted living facilities and community-based residential facilities. The program is recognized and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Office of Quality Assurance, and prepares students to take the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation.
The certification exam is not part of the coursework. However, graduates are prepared to complete both the written and skills assessments required for placement on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry and entry into the workforce. Successful completion of the exam results in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) status.
Any federally funded health care facility must employ certified nursing assistants who have passed the state competency exam. Northwood Tech provides the education, clinical training and professional preparation students need to reach this milestone.
Small Cohorts, Strong Outcomes
Each school district cohort is capped at eight students to ensure personalized hands-on instruction. Enrollment is limited, and 100% attendance is required to maintain a focused, structured learning environment.
In fall 2025, six students from Superior and eight students from Northwestern completed the two contracted cohorts and entered the workforce fully prepared.
“These great training partnerships with our local high schools and Northwood Tech empower their students and strengthen our communities. Taking a nursing assistant class in high school gives students a powerful head start — combining real-world health care experience, meaningful career exploration, valuable life skills and a workforce-ready credential that opens doors to both immediate employment and future medical careers,” said Dan Miller, associate dean of workforce and community development at Northwood Tech. “Nursing assistant training at the high school level further helps students develop confidence, compassion and professional skills, creating early pathways into health care careers.”
Meeting Regional
Workforce Needs
Regional workforce data from Lightcast reinforces the importance of early training partnerships.
In Douglas County, there are fewer nursing assistant positions than typically expected for a region of its size, with 114 jobs compared to an average of 154. This creates increased competition and highlights the need for strong preparation.
Nearby St. Louis County continues to show strong demand, with 1,362 positions compared to a regional average of 893. Health care employers throughout the region are actively seeking trained professionals.
By preparing students early, Northwood Tech helps bridge this gap and equips nursing assistant graduates with the skills, credentials and confidence to pursue opportunities locally and regionally.
Program History and
Instruction Model
Northwood Tech’s partnership with Superior High School began in fall 2021, with two nursing assistant classes offered each year. Instruction is delivered through a blended model, with evening lectures at the high school and hands-on lab practice at Northwood Tech’s Superior Campus.
The partnership with Northwestern High School began in summer 2022, followed by an additional cohort in summer 2023. In recent years, the program transitioned to being offered during the regular school day, increasing accessibility for students.
Preparing Students
for Real-World Success
The Nursing Assistant program emphasizes both technical and professional development. Students receive instruction in communication, documentation, ethical responsibility, teamwork, dementia care, personal care and patient advocacy.
“Our goal is to make sure every student who completes this program is ready for both the certification exam and the realities of the workplace,” said Stephanie Johnson, Nursing Assistant program manager. “These students leave with strong clinical skills, professionalism and an understanding of what it means to care for others. Employers know they are getting well-prepared, dependable graduates.”
Students are expected to demonstrate accountability, compassion and professionalism throughout the program.
Benefits for Students
and Employers
The program offers students flexibility and opportunity, with many securing
part-time positions during high school or college, gaining experience and income while continuing their education.
Some employers use digital scheduling platforms that allow CNAs to accept shifts around academic schedules, helping students balance school and work.
For employers, the partnership provides access to trained, certification-ready professionals who can fill part-time, on-call and supplemental shifts, strengthening workforce stability and continuity of care.
Creating Pathways,
Strengthening Communities
Educators and administrators see firsthand how the program shapes students’ confidence and career direction.
“This partnership gives our students a real sense of what a health care career looks like before they ever leave high school. Through the nursing assistant program, they’re learning responsibility, professionalism and compassion — skills that will serve them in any career,” said Jennifer Reijo, at-risk and school-to-work coordinator. “It helps our students see what they’re capable of and gives them confidence as they plan their future.”
“The nursing assistant partnership with Northwood Tech is beneficial to the school district and our students. A number of students are planning to enter the health care field, and this collaboration allows them to begin that process while they are still in high school. Since the
programming is held partially on the Superior High School campus, it allows our students access to the class in a supported, familiar environment. This program helps students to move forward with purpose — whether they are heading to an additional postsecondary training program, nursing school, or directly into the workforce,” said Heidi Sigfrids, assistant principal of Superior High School. “We appreciate the collaboration with Northwood Tech as we remain committed to providing Superior High School students with hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world.”
A Foundation for
Future Careers
For many participants, the Nursing Assistant program serves as a foundation for careers in nursing, health care administration and specialized medical fields. For others, it provides meaningful employment and transferable life skills.
Through continued collaboration with local school districts, Northwood Tech is building a stronger, more resilient health care workforce — one student at a time.
By investing in early career pathways, high-quality training and strong community partnerships, Northwood Tech is helping ensure that Superior and surrounding communities have skilled, compassionate caregivers for years to come.
Mandy Dietrich is PR/Communications specialist at Northwood Technical College.
