Left to Right -Claudette Jordan, LaToya Gibson, Eloise Ford
In a bold and forward-thinking partnership, the Vicksburg Warren School District’s (VWSD) Career and Technical Education (CTE) program has teamed up with Heavenly Hands Institute to offer students a head start in the healthcare field through a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification program. Over six weeks, 19 high school students immersed themselves in a rigorous curriculum designed to provide both theoretical and hands-on clinical experience — a dual approach crucial to preparing future healthcare professionals.
“This partnership is a game-changer for our students and our community,” said Latoya Gibson, Owner of Heavenly Hands Institute. “It’s not just about earning a certification. It’s about opening doors to real, meaningful career pathways while students are still in high school.”
The program, hosted in collaboration with the licensed training professionals at Heavenly Hands Institute, equipped students with vital healthcare skills such as patient care, infection control, safety procedures, and effective communication with patients and medical staff. Perhaps most notably, students engaged in clinical training, gaining firsthand experience in real-world healthcare settings — a rare and valuable opportunity at the high school level.
“Hands-on experience is what truly sets this program apart,” Dr. James explained. “Our students aren’t just reading about patient care in a textbook. They are putting on scrubs, walking into clinical environments, and actually doing the work. That kind of exposure changes lives.”
The results speak volumes. 19 students completed the program, and six have already passed the Mississippi Nurse Aide Competency Exam — the gold standard for CNA certification and licensure. This milestone not only certifies their competency but also significantly enhances their employability in the high-demand field of healthcare.
“This initiative is one of many ways we’re working to bridge education and workforce development,” said Dr. James. “The demand for skilled healthcare workers is growing every day, and we want VWSD students to be ready, qualified, and confident.”
The CNA certification program is part of VWSD’s larger vision to provide career-ready training in diverse fields, ensuring students leave high school prepared for both college and careers. Programs like this not only benefit the students but also support the broader community by helping address critical labor shortages in essential industries.
“This is just the beginning,” Dr. James added. “We’re committed to expanding these kinds of partnerships so that more students have access to life-changing opportunities. We believe in our students, and we believe in giving them every possible tool to succeed.”
As the healthcare field continues to evolve and grow, programs like this one will play a vital role in developing the next generation of skilled professionals, starting right here in Vicksburg.