Page 12 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2023

COAST NOTE
Singing River Healthcare Academy
Mississippi’s First Medical Workforce Academy story and photo courtesy of Singing River Health System
The Singing River Healthcare Academy is established as the state’s first-ever medical apprenticeship program implemented to provide growth opportunities and career pathways to improve health and save lives in our community through a bigger and better, more diverse workforce. The Healthcare Academy will allow for expanded training opportunities and apprenticeship operations and offer immediate employment to qualified graduates in high-demand critical specialties that include: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in collaboration with MGCCC, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Surgical Technologist, Medical Assistant, and Phlebotomy Technician.
“I am excited about the future outlook of healthcare at Singing River Health System and for our entire state through Mississippi’s first medical apprenticeship program,” said Tiffany Murdock, CEO of Singing River Health System. “This
program sets us up for success by allowing for a more trained and skilled workforce while offering rewarding long-term careers in specialty critically needed areas.”
“Mississippi continues to make history as we break ground on the state’s first healthcare academy,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “The Singing River Healthcare Academy will be an important addition
to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast and will result in more healthcare professionals in our state, higher wages for Mississippians, and a better quality of life. The Academy is an example of what’s possible when you have strong partnerships that commit to putting Mississippians first and it perfectly encapsulates our state’s new workforce development strategy. I’m proud that the state of Mississippi could partner with Singing River and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to help train the next generation of healthcare heroes.”
Career pathway specialties are
developed in collaboration with local high schools and community colleges as well as state workforce programs. Through this apprenticeship, students will receive on- the-job training and classroom learning at no cost. It allows students to earn while they learn critical skills to accelerate
their careers in the field of healthcare. Apprenticeships are a good fit for anyone looking to accelerate their career in healthcare and learn valuable skills.
In year one, a total of 1,000 or more students are projected to be trained through the Healthcare Academy. All
of the apprenticeship programs will prepare apprentices to sit for Nationally recognized certifications or licenses. Upon completion of the program, apprentices will be qualified to accept immediate employment in high-demand specialty areas.
For more information about the Singing River Healthcare Academy, please visit HealthcareAcademy.org.
12 | January 2023
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