Story by: Kathleen Campbell on June 19, 2018
In early 2018, Norton Healthcare formed a partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools to launch High School Apprentice Programs at Pleasure Ridge Park High School and Marion C. Moore Traditional High School, both in Louisville, Kentucky. Norton Healthcare leaders and staff work side by side with Pleasure Ridge Park and Moore students, who gain health care skills, knowledge and work experience.
Recently, the innovative program was featured by CNBC in a segment broadcast nationally. During the network’s taping at Moore High School, Christy Ralston, R.N., director of Workforce Development for Norton Healthcare; apprentice program student Madison Shely; and Moore principal Rob Fulk discussed the apprenticeship program’s benefits to participating students.
For example, Madison talked about her participation in the biomedical sciences pathway and earning her electrocardiogram technician certification.
With this more focused approach to college readiness and future careers, students also can participate in:
Volunteering, phase one of the High School Apprenticeship Program, enabled Pleasure Ridge Park student Josh Kaum to volunteer in the Norton Audubon Hospital emergency department. Josh discovered the fast-paced, high-stakes environment features a caring dimension he is looking for in a career.
“I had an amazing experience,” Josh said. “I was checking on patients, giving them blankets and pillows, and learning how emergency medical care is delivered. I witnessed all the emotions the patients, nurses and doctors experience and learned that caring is constant through all the highs and lows. I feel like this environment is just what I’m looking for.”
Norton Healthcare’s High School Apprentice Program is funded through the generosity of the James R. Petersdorf Fund.
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