Students at Monsignor Scanlan High School are getting a head start in health care, thanks to a new partnership with Iona University.

The program offers college-level nursing courses, earning college credits, gaining hands-on training and access to Iona’s state-of-the-art simulation lab.

Students work with lifelike mannequins that mimic real patients, gaining critical skills in patient care.

Many say the experience has increased their passion for nursing, with this year’s class earning over $6 million in scholarships.