Cohoes High School graduate Anjolina Bussing’s pathway to a career in medicine has been made easier by multiple programs at Capital Region BOCES.
Bussing, who graduated from CHS and the BOCES Two-Year Sequence of Health Careers program in 2024, is currently enrolled in the part-time adult Practical Nursing program while also working at St. Peter’s Hospital.
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, and I have a strong passion for caring for people,” said Bussing. “I currently work as a CNA [certified nursing assistant], and becoming an LPN [licensed practical nurse] will provide the opportunity to gain more hands-on experience and critical skills. The LPN program, in a sense, is a stepping stone to the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric registered nurse [RN],” she added.
Bussing, who said as the oldest of six she has always had a nurturing spirit, said she aspires to be a registered nurse because it will “allow for more in-depth critical thinking and because the scope of practice is wider.”
She started the adult Practical Nursing classes in January and will continue in the program until June.
CHS Principal Laura Tarlo called Bussing’s journey an “amazing testimonial” that speaks to the many opportunities that are afforded to high school students who enroll in the Career and Technical Education programs.
“Coming out of Cohoes High School ready to enter the workforce and having the ability to work in a career field that capitalizes on your strengths is awesome,” said Mrs. Tarlo. “I’m so proud of Anjolina and happy that her hard work has paid off.”
The state-approved program at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School encompasses 1,100 hours of classroom and clinical study and practice. Students earn their clinical experience in various local health care facilities, including Ellis Hospital, Teresian House, the Albany County Nursing Home and Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, as well as the Our Lady of Mercy and more.
As a high school student attending Capital Region BOCES, Bussing was able to earn home health aide, patient care assistant and nurse assistant certifications.
“That gave me a head start and the ability to have a job in my career field,” she said.
For information, visit www.capitalregionboces.org/adult-education/classes-programs/adult-practical-nursing/ or call 518-862-4709.