What began as a bold regional workforce vision has quickly become one of North Carolina’s most innovative healthcare talent pipeline models, and today, that vision is producing real results and changing lives for students in Lincoln County.

This May, the inaugural cohort of Lincoln County Health Academy students graduated high school, marking a major milestone for a program built through years of intentional planning, cross-sector collaboration, funding alignment, and unwavering commitment from community partners. These students now have just one semester remaining before becoming eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination and begin working as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in their home communities.

Community-Driven Model for Workforce Success

The Lincoln County Health Academy represents a powerful collaboration among Gaston College, Lincoln County Schools, Atrium Health Lincoln, alongside key supporters including the Centralina Workforce Development Board, Lincoln County Rotary Student Loan Fund, and Golden LEAF Foundation.  community supporters, and regional funding partners, all aligned around a shared goal: creating earlier more affordable pathways into high-demand healthcare careers.

What makes this initiative stand out is not just the outcome, but the intentional design behind it. Partners worked collectively to align education systems with real-time employer needs, ensuring that students are not only learning, but preparing for careers that are in demand within their own communities.

Designing a Seamless Student Pathway

Launched as the first practical nursing pathway of its kind in North Carolina for high school juniors and seniors, the Academy was purposefully structured to remove traditional barriers to entry into healthcare careers.

Students begin in their junior year of high school with a focus on college level and dual enrollment coursework such as Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, English, complimented by healthcare exposure opportunities, clinical preparation, and structured career exploration. During this year, students also complete an ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills preparation course and take the ATI TEAS exam, both of which are covered by sponsorship funds, to help prepare them to apply to the appropriate pathway.

In 12th grade, students transition into specialized pathways based on their interests and career goals, including:

• Practical Nursing (PN)
• EMT/Paramedic
• Medical Assisting
• Foundations of Healthcare (expanded pathway)

• Curriculum approvals across education systems.
• Clinical placement requirements and healthcare regulations.
• Transportation logistics across four high schools.
• Funding gaps for materials, supplies, and credentialing costs.
• Legal and compliance considerations for minors in clinical settings.

• The first cohort has successfully progressed through the program and is nearing licensure.
• Enrollment demand continues to grow year over year.
• Expanded pathways are increasing access and participation.
• Retention outcomes have exceeded traditional benchmarks.

To explore more about the Lincoln County Health Academy and its impact: 
Lincoln County Health Academy Program