NursesMC Nashville, a first-of-its-kind public charter high school dedicated to preparing students for careers in nursing and healthcare, welcomed its founding class of 140 ninth-grade students today.
Designed to integrate rigorous academics with hands-on job training, NursesMC Nashville aims to equip students with real-world skills and certifications that open doors to immediate employment or further education in the healthcare field upon graduation.
Beginning in ninth grade, students will participate in immersive work-based learning as they shadow real nurses and train in simulation labs. By 11th grade, they will have access to paid internships, professional mentoring and other career-connected experiences. By graduation, students will have earned at least 12 college credits and a healthcare certification, such as certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical assistant or emergency medical technician (EMT), allowing them to immediately enter the healthcare workforce or continue their education.
The Nashville campus marks the second location of the highly successful Rhode Island Nurses Institute (RINI) Middle College Charter High School model, originally established in Providence. The flagship school has an exemplary record of preparing students from groups that are underrepresented in the healthcare workforce.
NursesMC Nashville is part of a first-of-its-kind, $250 million national initiative from Bloomberg Philanthropies which partners high schools with health systems in 10 U.S. communities. $21.7 million in support from Bloomberg Philanthropies will cover school start-up costs including staff hiring, classroom and lab renovations, and the development of work-based learning programs.
The school is launching in partnership with TriStar Health (an affiliate of HCA Healthcare) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. TriStar Health is dedicating members of its clinical education team to support curriculum delivery and immersive learning. Senior students who gain employment with TriStar Health post-graduation will also be eligible for tuition assistance at the HCA Healthcare-owned Galen College of Nursing.
“This school is the beginning of something bigger than any one classroom,” said Dr. Andrea Poynter, Executive Director of NursesMC Nashville. “We’re expanding access to opportunity for students across Nashville who dream of becoming nurses – and doing it in a way that responds directly to the workforce needs of our hospitals and communities.”
“At Bloomberg Philanthropies, we believe every student should have access to an education that prepares them for meaningful, well-paying careers,” said Kate Herman, Bloomberg Philanthropies education program. “NursesMC Nashville exemplifies this vision — offering students work based learning experiences, industry-aligned credentials, and a direct path into the healthcare workforce. We’re proud to support this innovative school as it empowers the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthens the talent pipeline in Nashville and beyond.”
For more information, visit nursesmcnashville.org.
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