EDUCATION NEWS — The Tennessee Board of Regents recently awarded Tennessee Pathway Certification to the Nursing Services CTE Program at Moore County High School. This year, MCHS program was one of 159 new pathways from 51 districts to earn the Tennessee Pathways Certification distinction. 

According to CTE Director Catherine Millsaps, Pathways Certification represents a unique partnership between the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Board of Regents that is committed to building high education-to-career pathways for every student in the state.

Launched in 2019, the Tennessee Pathways Certification sets clear expectations for alignment, advisement, and partnerships that define strong education-to-career pathways.  Beyond establishing standards for program quality and design, this Certification elevates and celebrates innovative and exemplary pathways in the state.

The MCHS Nursing Services Program embeds classroom instruction, work-based learning, industry credentials, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) experiences, post-secondary opportunities, and life experiences as a part of the curriculum.  Students in the Nursing Services pathway can work with partners such as Lynchburg Nursing Center, American Red Cross, and the school system to practice skills needed in the health science field. 

In addition to class work, students are involved in community projects and school wide events.  The MCHS Nursing Services program has articulations with Motlow Community College for Medical Terminology, and with TCAT Shelbyville in Pre-Practical Nursing.  These agreements allow high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while still at the high school level. Nursing Services currently has the highest program of study interest at MCHS with over 60 students enrolled in the program.

This year Moore County was selected as a pilot district for the Pre Practical Nursing program with TCAT.  Three nursing students were involved with Moore County’s “first ever” dual enrollment program at TCAT.

Classroom instructor Belinda Smith and CTE Director Catherine Millsaps oversee the program for MCHS. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}