EvergreenHealth, Monroe School District Team Up for Career-Training Course
Jul 28, 2026, 10:37 AM
425 Magazine
EvergreenHealth Monroe recently launched a new Certified Nursing Assistant program at Monroe High School, which, in partnership with Monroe School District, will provide students with a direct path to health care careers.
The partnership looks to support Monroe School District’s five-year strategic plan, which emphasizes making students prepared for the future — specifically its goal of building relationships with local employers to supplement workforce needs in livable-wage careers, according to a press release.
“The CNA program at Monroe High School is an example of how we are creating career pathways that connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities,” said Monroe School District Superintendent Shawn Woodward in the release. “With partners like EvergreenHealth Monroe, we are able to give students valuable health care experience while helping meet the growing demand for skilled health care professionals in our community.”
The semester-long class takes place over two periods. It’s open to juniors and seniors, and awards an elective credit. Designed to give students practical knowledge needed for careers in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities, the curriculum includes classroom instruction and hands-on-learning experiences led by EvergreenHealth Monroe’s acute care staff.
“EvergreenHealth Monroe is very excited to be partnering with the Monroe School District, supporting local high school students on their career paths. CNAs play a vital role in delivering safe, high-quality, compassionate care for our patients,” said EvergreenHealth Monroe Chief Nursing Officer Megan Wirsching in the release. “Many traditional CNA programs aren’t able to offer clinical experiences in acute, hospital-based care, making this collaboration unique and important. It is also a fantastic launching pad for those students interested in advancing their careers in health care.”
Currently, there are 19 students enrolled in the inaugural cohort, and a similar number is expected for the second semester offering. Successful completion of the course qualifies students to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam for Washington State CNA certification.
To learn more about EvergreenHealth Monroe, head here. For more information about Monroe School District, visit its website.
