Perry’s class of 2014 received their diplomas last weekend but in addition to finishing high school, several students were able to earn extra credits toward a potential career in the health care field.

Des Moines Area Community College and Dallas County Hospital again partnered to offer area juniors and seniors the opportunity to take four, 3 credit courses for an introduction to health care careers.

The students were able to observe professionals working in pharmacy, physical therapy, laboratories, radiology and clinics.  Along with the shadowing portion of the program, they were also taught medical terminology and advanced nurses aid skills.

Those who completed the four courses were then prepared to successfully take the State of Iowa Certified Nurses Aid test so they could obtain a job in a hospital or nursing home setting.

Instructor and Dallas County Hospital Education Manager Sally Swenson says this program gives students a taste of what it’s like to do morning and bedtime care and the hands on activities were favorites among those in the course.

DMACC and Dallas County Hospital plan to again offer this course for the 2014-2015 school year.