LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Students from the La Crosse area are gaining valuable real-world healthcare experience through the Health Science Academy, a program that combines classroom learning with hands-on training at professional medical facilities.

The program operates at the Integrated Center for Education on Emplify Health by Gundersen’s La Crosse campus, where students have access to state-of-the-art training facilities including a mock operating room, robotics room and skills laboratory. All instructors are working healthcare professionals, providing students with current industry knowledge and expertise.

The academy serves a dual purpose, benefiting both students seeking healthcare careers and local hospitals facing workforce shortages. Students receive practical experience that prepares them for immediate employment opportunities, while healthcare facilities gain access to trained workers.

“We get hands-on experiences so we get to do job shadows, mentorship, labs like these classes that really help me prepare for the future,” said Olivia Teff, a senior at Central High School who participates in the program.

Craig Masters, HR program consultant, explained how the program addresses staffing needs at local healthcare facilities.

“They are starting that foundation early and they are coming to us with a CNA already so we can plug them into roles already, sometimes while they are still in school,” Masters said. “And it helps us fill those positions, those weekend needs, and that leads to filling in bigger roles down the road.”

Beyond technical skills training, the Health Science Academy emphasizes teamwork, a critical component in healthcare settings. The program creates a supportive community environment that extends beyond graduation.

“It’s also like a family. Once a Health Science Academy student, always a Health Academy student. And I always say it’s a third fit. Students already have who they are in their family, but this is another school they are apart of,” said Dr. Britta Rotering, supervisor of career and technical education for the School District of La Crosse.

One of the program’s most significant advantages is the opportunity for students to earn their Certified Nursing Assistant certification before graduating high school. This credential provides immediate employment opportunities and a foundation for further healthcare education.

For more information, you can visit the La Crosse school district’s website. 

​COPYRIGHT 2026 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.