Visit Vale Health Marketplace?
You are leaving balladhealth.org to visit Vale Health’s Wellness Marketplace.
Disclaimer: Ballad Health does not sponsor, endorse or recommend any product or resource listed in the marketplace.
Image
Image
Ballad Health Academy
Ballad Health Academy is a high school medical training program that will provide high school students with job experience and dual enrollment courses dedicated to accelerating pathways into healthcare careers.
The program offers an innovative school-within-a-school approach that addresses the unique, rural nature of the Appalachian Highlands, providing access to accelerated education and training in a healthcare career, all while allowing students to attend their public high school and stay in school with their friends.
Graduates of the program are guaranteed job interviews with Ballad Health once they’ve graduated from high school.
Image
Practical Nursing Program (LPN)
Launching fall 2025
Start your healthcare career by senior year!
- Hands-on learning
- Job-placement opportunities
- High-demand careers
- Dual-enrollment opportunities
- Simulation learning
- Clinical education with Ballad Health
- Starting pay between $21 to $23 per hour
7
Launching in 7
High schools in TN
$48k
Median Annual LPN
Salary in TN
Submit an interest form to learn more about the Practical Nursing Program
The Practical Nursing Program will be the first Ballad Health Academy program launching in participating high schools in fall 2025. Application for enrollment will open in February 2025 at participating high schools.
To learn more about the application process for enrollment in the Practical Nursing Program, fill out our interest form or email our team at balladacademy@balladhealth.org.
Nursing dual enrollment credits and medical training for high school students
Through the Ballad Health Academy, students with aptitudes for science and service professions will be identified at the middle and early-high school level, and they can enroll in the pathway starting in ninth grade. This medical program for high school students will incorporate in-person, virtual and in-hospital education by integrating healthcare career knowledge and job training with a high-quality, well-rounded high school experience for students throughout the Appalachian Highlands.
Ballad Health is partnering with several community colleges, career technical education (CTE) centers and six local school districts to launch this regional early-start medical career program for teenagers.
Hear from one of our CNAs that loves her job and helps train high school students starting their healthcare career below.
Program benefits
This innovative program aims to equip high school students with the essential skills and knowledge required to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, preparing them for a rewarding and impactful career in healthcare.
Job placement and beyond
Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses). Successful completion of this exam will qualify them to become licensed practical nurses, ready to enter the workforce or pursue further education in nursing.
Early engagement and personalized guidance
Counselors will work with students throughout their high school career to schedule and sequence courses and navigate dual credit courses in healthcare. This guidance ensures students stay on track with their career path.
Removed barriers to access
There’s no cost for program participation and postsecondary opportunities. Additionally counselors provide resources including transportation, supplies and other common barriers to help ensure this opportunity is accessible to any student wanting to pursue a career in healthcare.
Support from Bloomberg Philanthropies
Ballad Health Academy is part of a first-of-its-kind $250 million effort led by Bloomberg Philanthropies that is connecting healthcare and education systems to create new career-technical education high schools in 10 urban and rural communities across the country.
Bloomberg Philanthropies’ initial $15.3 million investment in Ballad Health Academy will support school start-up costs, including personnel needs, classroom renovations, lab supplies and other work-based learning requirements.