Chelsie enrolled in the Nursing Skills Program with West CAP in the Fall of 2023. At the time, she was working at Amery Hospital as a CNA with no health care benefits. Her rate of pay was $13.03/hour and she was working 22 hours a week to support herself and her young son.
Through the Nursing Skills Program, Chelsie received support to cover her tuition and mileage reimbursements driving to and from class. She graduated from Northwood Tech in December 2024 with an Associate Degree of Nursing. She passed her NCLEX WI Board exam and became a licensed Registered Nurse 1/24/2025. She is now employed by Mayo Clinic in Menomonie and started in February 2025 and earns over $40/hour working 36 hours a week. She increased her annual income by over 400%.
Chelsie was recognized at the 2025 West CAP Annual Meeting with a Client Achievement Award.
“Without the funding collaboration between WestCap and Northwood Technical College I would not have been able to finish school. The nursing program is a full time position and it would have been impossible to work alongside that to make ends meet. Because of the grant I was able to finish school and move into the medical field as a registered nurse. I can now give back and provide for myself and my son. Thank you!”