Student Spotlight: Danielle Baker CRTC Health Science Program

Student Spotlight: Danielle Baker CRTC Health Science Program

Danielle Baker’s mother is a nurse, and so she pretty much grew up being exposed to the world of health care. So when it came time to choose a career pathway, Danielle, a senior at Merrimack Valley High School, immediately knew that she wanted to apply for the CRTC Health Science program.

“I’ve always been around the medical aspect of things and I just kind of fell in love with it,” Danielle said. “So when I heard about the Health Science program at the CRTC it sounded like a really good way to go.”

Last year, Danielle was part of a CRTC Health Science team that scored first in the state HOSA future health care professionals Forensic Medicine competition, and she went on to Nashville, Tenn, to compete in the national HOSA competition there. “It was an amazing experience,” she said. “It was a great place to network and to meet a lot of people who have the same interests and ambitions as you do.”

Danielle plans to go on to a career in emergency medicine. She currently volunteers with the Penacook Rescue Squad, and is working on her Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) certifications, which she should have before she graduates.

“Danielle’s persistent drive to succeed and learn makes her an exceptional student,” said CRTC Health Science teacher Sharon Bean. “Danielle never takes the path of least resistance … she is always looking for opportunities to learn.”

Danielle demonstrates leadership skills by presenting herself in a professional manner, whether in class, competitions, or group activities, Mrs. Bean said. Danielle is vice president of the senior class HOSA chapter, and she often is called upon to lead and participate in group activities such as the recent CRTC Preview Day tours, she added.

“The best thing about having Danielle as a student is her consistent positive attitude, which she brings with her into the classroom every day,” Mrs. Bean said. “She is wise beyond her years as far as maturity goes.”

After graduation, Danielle plans to attend college and pursue a nursing degree with the goal of becoming a registered nurse specializing in emergency medicine. She added that she will put the LNA certification she’ll earn at the CRTC to good use, gaining experience by working part time and summers in hospitals or medical offices throughout her college years.

“It’s a terrific program with lots of great opportunities,” Danielle said of the CRTC Health Science program. “It’s a great way to get immersed in the health science field, network with people, and figure out which jobs in the medical field you do or don’t want to pursue.”