JCPS partners with Norton Healthcare, Galen College to give students a path to nursing careers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools seniors now have a new opportunity to get a jump start on a career in healthcare.

Norton Healthcare, Galen College and JCPS have teamed up to help students prepare for nursing careers in the healthcare industry while completing their high school education.

Norton's career-ready Practical Nursing Diploma Program provides tuition assistance through the Norton Healthcare Scholars Program to high school seniors who can complete their practical nursing diploma at Galen College of Nursing while finishing their remaining high school credits, according to a news release.

"I am willing and want to help people during their time in need," said Southern High School junior Grettel Gonzales.

JCPS officials joined representatives from Norton Healthcare and Galen College of Nursing in the Health Sciences lab at Southern High School Wednesday morning to announce the program.

Southern High junior Grettel Gonzales is now eligible to apply to the program, along with all JCPS seniors, and she is looking forward to a meaningful career that will let her help others.

"I am willing, and want to, help people and take care of them in their time of need," Gonzales said after Wednesday's announcement.

The program will provide hands-on training through the Galen College of Nursing to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Students will complete their clinical rotations at Norton Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital under the direction of a clinical nurse educator from Norton Healthcare Institute for Education & Development Center for Nursing Practice.

Students can also apply for scholarships in exchange for a promise that they will work at Norton as LPNs after graduation.

"This partnership provides an amazing opportunity for students to live in possibility, to value their learning and to value caring for people," said Brittany L. Burke, the system director at Norton Healthcare's Institute for Education and Development.

Two Open Houses are planned this week for students who will be seniors in the 2024-2025 school year on the following dates:

Wednesday, April 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

JCPS officials said the healthcare pathways are some of the more popular pathways for students. Anyone interested in the program can fill out a form online to learn more about it.