Health Academy starts at Gaston’s Lincoln Campus
Students from Lincoln County School High Schools will have a new school-to-career pathway this Fall thanks to a new partnership between Gaston College, Lincoln County Schools, and Atrium Health Lincoln.
The new Lincoln County Schools Health Academy is for high school juniors and seniors and is being offered at Gaston’s Lincoln Campus. This program starts Sept. 9 and will provide students with a pathway to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) as early as the summer after they graduate from high school. Students can also continue their education to earn an associate degree in nursing to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) or further advance into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
“The Health Academy is the first in the state where these juniors and seniors can take foundations of healthcare and nursing classes to become a licensed practical nurse the summer after their high school graduation,” said Gaston College’s Joanne Matz, the dean of Lincoln County Educational Partnerships. “It’s taken a lot of work, with many people, to get this program off the ground, and we’re excited to welcome the first group of students.”
Atrium Health Lincoln has partnered with Gaston College’s Nursing program to assist the students with clinical opportunities. “This part of the program allows them to work on their skills in supervised healthcare settings and is a core part of the program,” Matz said. Atrium will also help with job opportunities once students graduate.
Lincoln County Schools is planning for up to 40 students this first year and will provide transportation for them to Gaston’s Lincoln campus. In addition, they have partnered with the College and the Rotary Club of Lincolnton for a sponsorship program, allowing students to participate in the Health Academy at no cost. “We are fortunate to have the communities’ support to offer sponsorships for the first year for these students so they will not have to pay for anything. It is an incredible opportunity for these students and our community and we’re all working together to make it a success,” Matz said.
