Nelson County Schools Forges Exciting Partnership with Flaget Memorial Hospital

Nelson County Schools has solidified a partnership with CHI and Flaget Memorial Hospital, heralding a new era of opportunities for students pursuing careers in the Health Science Pathway. The collaborative initiative between NCS and the local hospital aims to provide aspiring healthcare professionals with access to real-world experiences and networking prospects.

Under this partnership, students enrolled in certification programs at the Health Science Pathway at the Nelson County Area Technology Center (ATC) will have the privilege of conducting their classes within the hospital premises. The facility will serve as an extension of their learning environment, offering the chance to use authentic hospital equipment and interact closely with medical professionals.

One of the most significant aspects of this collaboration is the age restriction for employment at Flaget and the CHI Medical Group. The hospital will employ students who have obtained certifications starting as young as 17 years old. This presents an advantage for junior students, as they can now gain practical experience and earn income through the Work Based Learning program, benefiting both the students and the community they serve.

Julie Craig, the Health Science Leader, expressed her enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, "This partnership with Flaget and CHI facilities is a game-changer for our students. It opens up new possibilities for their careers and fosters a strong connection with our community's healthcare services. Now, our students can apply their health care certifications in real-world settings and contribute to the well-being of our community."

The benefits of this partnership extend to students in the Certified Clinical Medical Assisting (CCMA) program, who will have the unique opportunity to perform vital medical tasks on live patients, including administering injections, conducting EKG tests, and drawing blood. This hands-on experience in a real hospital setting will undoubtedly enhance their skills and prepare them for the challenges of a healthcare career.

Margaret Smith, the Vice President of Patient Care Services at Flaget Hospital, spoke about the significance of this collaboration, "The partnership allows Flaget to build relationships with students, who may be our future employees. Our goal is to support our high school youth who are interested in the healthcare field and help them flourish in their career pathways. We believe that cultivating future caregivers will continue our mission of improving the health of the people we serve."

Moreover, the agreement also grants students access to actual patient rooms within the hospital, enriching their learning experiences by immersing them in a genuine healthcare environment. Misty Roller, the Community Relations Lead at Nelson County Area Technology Center, emphasized the transformative impact of this arrangement, "Taking learning outside our four walls and placing it within a real hospital space is going to be meaningful and engaging for our students. This partnership opens up their eyes to endless possibilities and makes learning more tangible."

Flaget Memorial Hospital views this partnership as a commitment to the community's future. By forging connections with students early on, they aim to inspire these young minds to return to their hometown to live, work, and contribute to the growth of the local healthcare industry.

The collaboration between Nelson County Schools and Flaget Memorial Hospital stands as a testament to the power of partnerships in shaping educational experiences and preparing students for successful careers.