The Career and Technical Education Technical Assistance Center (CTE TAC) of NY has named the Nurse Aide program at Newburgh Free Academy North Campus as a New York State Career and Technical Education Model Program. This model program recognition honors high quality CTE programs at the middle and secondary levels. The characteristics that make this program a model will be shared with other schools and BOCES across the state.

CTE TAC has arranged a visit to present the award on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 8:30am at Newburgh Free Academy North Campus (301 Robinson Ave., Newburgh).

The Nurse Aide program exemplifies characteristics of Career and Technical Education (CTE) consistent with those used by the national organizations ACTE and Advance CTE, and the NYS CTE Program Reviews to determine high quality CTE programs. It is an honor to bestow this recognition on the program.

The Nurse Aide program is designed for students in grades 10-12 who are interested in careers in healthcare, with many students aspiring to be nurses, doctors, or pharmacists, in addition to a wide range of healthcare fields. The curriculum is aligned to the national health science standards and math, science, history and English language arts is integrated through interdepartmental collaboration. Students are mentored through local community partners, such as St. Luke’s Hospital, Crystal Run Healthcare, and Sapphire Nursing, and receive invaluable clinical experience as a result. Whether graduating students enroll in post-secondary programs or enter the workforce, every student is offered employment with local employers prior to graduation. Students also have the opportunity to volunteer teaching younger students at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. Every Saturday, students in grades K-5 and every Wednesday, students in grades 6-8 attend nursing aide classes at the Armory that are age appropriate and geared toward healthcare.

The program is led by Linda Romano, 2018 National Association for Career and Technical Education Teacher of Year, and her commitment to the Health Sciences and passion for education is evident in the engagement and enthusiasm of the Nurse Aide program students.

“The model program recognition for our Nurse Aide Program represents the highest level of education a teacher and community can offer. Our collaboration with prestigious organizations like the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Mount Saint Mary College, Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, and several other community organizations is the key element guiding the success of this program and most importantly, the success of our scholars.” Dr. Roberto Padilla, Superintendent of the Newburgh Enlarged City School district

According to Rie Posillico, CTE TAC Center Specialist, “a visionary and passionate health sciences teacher, supportive administrators, collaboration with post-secondary, and a strong community influence has been a winning combination resulting in the Nurse Aide Program at Newburgh Free Academy North Campus being recognized as a NYS CTE Model Program.  Through her vision of a “kindergarten to career” pathway in health science, a rigorous curriculum, and a multitude of industry partners Mrs. Romano opens students’ minds to all careers in the medical field.  Post-secondary students, alumni, and the local community work together to help expand and enhance her students’ experiences in healthcare careers. In the end, her students are knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate in clinical, classroom, and community settings. They are mentors and role models to younger students and are dedicated to the health of their community.”

"It is an honor and blessing to develop and grow the program. I am dedicated to the scholars by helping them find their purpose and help their career dreams come true. I love what I do here in the Newburgh School district. I feel the success of the program is through the work of the scholars past and present. Our alumni are the foundation and they are my source of energy, I love them all very much! Scholars in Scrubs/K to Career will create an impact on our community through health and wellness by creating our future healthcare leaders! This award is an incredible honor and I am so grateful to have our program and scholars at Newburgh Free Academy North Campus recognized." Mrs. Linda Romano, teacher at Newburgh Free Academy North Campus Nurse Aide program

CTE Model Program Recognition is open to all NYS districts and BOCES. Once an application is submitted, the program is evaluated in eight areas: curriculum, instruction, student assessment, business and community partnerships, post-secondary articulation agreements, work-based learning, facilities and equipment, and Career and Technical Student Organization.

These components are consistent with criteria used by the national organizations ACTE and Advance CTE. Programs receiving this recognition will have the opportunity to showcase their success stories at local and state conferences and via webinars aired across New York State.

For more information and an application to become a CTE model program, please contact the CTE Technical Assistance Center.