A Heatly School senior is planning to help troubled teens solve their psychiatric issues using skills she has formed at Capital Region BOCES.
Jaden Gardner is in her second year of the Two-Year Sequence of Health Careers program at the Career and Technical Education Center. Upon graduation in June, she plans to attend Hudson Valley Community College and pursue a degree in nursing.
“Eventually, I want to be a nurse in a psychiatric center for youth. I have had experiences with youth who are having troubles and that inspired me to want to help others,” she said.
Gardner said she appreciates BOCES and the ability to test her passion for nursing before actually pursuing a college degree.
“I like that the clinicals help you with what it is like to be a nurse before you actually go to college for it,” she said. “The nursing program at BOCES has been a good step towards my goal of helping adolescents in trouble,” she said.
Gardner is one of about 100 students enrolled in the Two-Year Sequence of Health Careers program this school year. The program prepares students to enter the healthcare industry at the level of their choice.
Students have the option of taking a one-year program to earn certification as a Home Health Aide (HHA) and Personal Care Aide (PCA) or a separate one-year program to earn certification as a Nurse Assistant (NA) and PCA. Or students can take both courses during their junior and senior years.