More than two dozen Roseburg High School students are being recognized this week for completing the training and coursework required to earn professional certifications in healthcare and emergency services — credentials that will help launch their future careers.

Through expanding career pathway programs offered through Roseburg High School and Umpqua Community College, students have completed the instructional components needed to pursue certification as Level I Certified Nursing Assistants, Phlebotomists and Emergency Medical Technicians. Additionally, students in the RHS Fire Science program were recognized for completing coursework along the UCC associate of applied science degree pathway.    

These dual credit programs allow students to earn college credit and industry credentials while still in high school, preparing them to enter the workforce or continue their education at UCC after graduation.

Family members, educators, industry professionals and community supporters gathered at RHS on Tuesday to celebrate these students’ accomplishments and the momentum behind career-connected learning. This year’s event also marked two milestones: the fifth year of the CNA program and the inaugural year of three new career pathways: Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science and Phlebotomy.

“This is what it looks like when education and industry work hand-in-hand to create opportunities for students,” said Roseburg Schools Superintendent Jared Cordon. “Our students are graduating with purpose, ready to serve their community or continue on a path to lifelong learning.”

Program Highlights:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA I):This program honored 10 students who have completed their training. These students are now eligible to take their state certification exams and, upon passing, may begin working in the healthcare field or continue into CNA II or nursing programs.

• CNA I students: Asher Brewster, Bridget Brooksby, Saria Clegg, Annan Kolberg, Syara Oren, Terah Sternberg, Vikki Vanderwerff, Amelia VanDyke, Dessirae Williams and Katelyn Wylie.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): The EMT pathway celebrated five students who completed coursework to prepare for their EMT certification exams. These students are now positioned to pursue careers in emergency medical services.

• EMT students: Logan Christian, Madison Hoschouer, Aries Lee, Felila Thompson and Destiny Williams.  

Phlebotomy Certificate:The phlebotomy program recognized 10 students for completing their training. These students are eligible to take certification exams and begin work in clinical and laboratory settings.

• Phlebotomy students: Apollonia Heap, Abigail Hinerman, Aiden Nutter, Emilla Romero, Josh Lander, Kennedi Smith, Karissa Frahm, Lily Bland, Lexi Evans and Simran Kaur.

Fire Science Pathway:Five students were celebrated as the first participants in the Fire Science pathway, completing foundational coursework in fire safety and emergency response. By continuing along the Fire Science pathway at UCC, these students can earn their Associate of Applied Science. 

• Fire Science students: Kamren Faulkner, Madison Hoschouer, Flavie Spies, Felila Thompson and Gavin Whitehead. 

New Scholarship Supports Student Innovators

In addition to celebrating these students, Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA) presented its first-ever UHA Healthcare Pathway Innovator Scholarship. The $2,000 scholarship was created to recognize students who have taken the lead in developing and expanding healthcare career pathways at Roseburg High School. 

The award was presented to Nilisha Patel, who reinstated the HOSA club at RHS and who was among eight students to apply. The other applicants included Asher Brewster, Katelyn Wylie, Apollonia Heap, Annan Kolberg, Joshua Lander, James Allen and Shaylee Swartzendruber. In a surprise announcement, Kat Cooper, UHA Community Engagement Coordinator, and Vanessa Moser, UHA Community Engagement Manager, awarded an additional $1,000 scholarship to each of the candidates. 

Moser said the scholarship was launched after UHA learned about the outstanding work students are doing through the RHS Healthcare Careers Program and to encourage other students to expand initiatives that increase involvement in these programs.

“The pilot was a great success, with eight students applying for the $2,000 UHA Healthcare Pathway Innovator Scholarship during a very short submission window,” Moser said. “Based on this strong engagement, UHA plans to expand the scholarship opportunity to all 13 school districts next year.” 

To learn more about UHA, visit the UHA website. 

To learn more about career pathways offered through Roseburg Schools and UCC, visit our Career Pathways webpage.