Union County High School is thrilled to offer dynamic work-based learning opportunities for our healthcare students, providing invaluable hands-on experience and a direct pathway to future careers in the medical field. This exciting initiative connects classroom learning with real-world practice, empowering students to develop essential skills and gain a competitive edge as they pursue their healthcare aspirations.

Under the dedicated guidance of our passionate Registered Nurse instructors, Stochia Brantley, Rachel Holmes and Linsey Sexton, several students have even obtained their medical assisting certifications, nursing assistant certifications and emergency medical services certifications and/or have obtained college credits while in high school. Additionally, students in our Medical Assisting and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs of study are embarking on practical training experiences within our local healthcare community.

This vital program would not be possible without the generous support and commitment of our esteemed community partners: Willow Ridge Center, Reliant Family Health and Maynardville Drug and Express Care. These organizations have graciously opened their doors, providing our students with invaluable opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings.

Our Medical Assisting students are gaining first-hand experience in patient care, assisting healthcare professionals with various clinical and administrative tasks at Reliant Family Health and Maynardville Drug and Express Care. This partnership allows students to develop crucial skills in patient interaction, vital signs monitoring, electronic health records and basic medical office procedures, all under the supervision of experienced healthcare providers.

Meanwhile, our Certified Nursing Assisting students received practical training at Willow Ridge Center. Here, they are learning essential nurse aide skills, including patient assessment, patient safety and communication, as well as assisting with daily care tasks within their scope of training and knowledge. This hands-on experience is paramount in preparing them for the fast-paced and long-term care environments.

‘We are incredibly excited about the launch of these work-based learning opportunities,” says Bryan Shoffner, CTE Director. “This program is a game-changer for our students, providing them with a significant advantage as they transition into the healthcare workforce or pursue further education. We are deeply grateful to Reliant Family Health, Willow Ridge Center and Maynardville Drug and Express Care for their partnership and their commitment to investing in the future of healthcare in Union County.”
The benefits of work-based learning are numerous. Students gain:
Real-world experience: Applying classroom knowledge in authentic healthcare settings.
Skill development: Mastering essential clinical and professional skills.
Networking opportunities: Building relationships with healthcare professionals.
Career exploration: Gaining clarity on potential career paths within healthcare.
Increased employability: Graduating with practical experience that employers value.

Union County High School is immensely proud of our healthcare students and deeply appreciates the commitment of our community partners in preparing these future healthcare professionals. We extend our sincere gratitude to Willow Ridge Center, Reliant Family Health and Maynardville Drug and Express Care for their invaluable partnership in making this transformative learning experience a reality for our students. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for Union County.

If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about Work Based Learning at UCHS, Please call 865-992-0180 for additional information.