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Ballad Health launches academy pathway at Science Hill to train students for health careers
Summary
Ballad Health representatives outlined an inaugural Health Academy pathway at Science Hill High School, saying the program aims to recruit about 120–130 students this year and provide career pathways across clinical and nonclinical health roles.
Ballad Health representatives told the Johnson City Board of Education on Tuesday that a new Ballad Health Academy at Science Hill High School will give students multiple pathways into health-care careers, including clinical and nonclinical roles.
Board members heard a brief presentation from Ballad Health staff, who said the academy's inaugural year has surpassed early expectations. "Through our signing days last spring and through other efforts, we've signed well over 220 students," said Dr. Matt Loes, identified in the meeting as Ballad Health's chief academic officer. He added the program hopes to recruit about 120–130 students into the academy this year.
The packet provided to the board outlined career tracks extending beyond nursing and physician pathways to include respiratory therapy, allied health roles, IT and cybersecurity, and finance. "We want our kids to have the opportunity and the access to training so that by the time they are ready to leave high school, they are well on their way," Loes said. He told the board that, according to Ballad Health projections in the packet, a student who completes the academy and passes required certification exams could earn as much as $48,000 a year as an 18-year-old.
Board members did not take action on the presentation. Ballad Health representatives said the academy is just beginning its first year and that curriculum and partnerships will expand over time. Dr. David Timbs, introduced as the program's pathway advisor and a newly retired Johnson City Schools secondary supervisor, also participated in the presentation and fielded questions about early enrollment and outreach.
The academy leaders gave board members a one-page schematic of the program at full implementation and a separate summary of signing-day numbers. Ballad Health said the program aims to provide both direct patient-care credentials and roles that support hospital systems but do not involve patient contact.
Board members thanked the presenters and had no formal vote. The district will monitor the program as the academy enrolls students this school year.
