Nine Marist seniors recently completed a certified nursing assistant program and are on track to take their boards! The students participated in a 7 week long program and took classes at Chicago’s Pulse in Mt. Greenwood. All of the students met the requirements needed to take the CNA state boards.
“I chose to participate in the CNA program because I’ve always been interested in healthcare and wanted to gain hands-on experience. I learned how meaningful it is to support someone during vulnerable moments and it really strengthened my confidence and understanding of patient care.” -Olivia Jacinto ’26
Throughout the program, students learned the importance of communication, patience and empathy when taking care of patients. Many of the RedHawks are interested in a career in healthcare. Below is a list of students who participated:
“I chose to participate because it was a good opportunity and good indicator to see if the healthcare field was something I’d want to commit to. The biggest takeaway was during my clinical rotations. They were very fun and I learned a lot, but it showed me the reality of helping others and how empathy is very much needed in the field,” -Kate Kaczmarski ’26
“I am soon to start working as a PRN CNA at Mercy Circle, where I completed my clinical rotations. My biggest takeaway from this experience is how powerful it is to just show up for others. I learned that empathy, kind words, and steady hands can bring comfort in ways I never understood before,” -Allison Butler ’26
We are so proud of our RedHawks and how they show compassion for others. Along with business, the number 1 field our students study in college is the medical field and Marist is excited to continue a partnership with Chicago’s Pulse. Our RedHawks have also participated in an EMT program to become certified EMTs.
