CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. -- Jefferson County Schools is excited to partner with WVU Medicine and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (CTC) on a unique two-year program offering eligible high school students a direct career path into the healthcare industry. The new MedEd program provides juniors and seniors at Jefferson High School (JCS) and Washington High School (WHS) the choice of two career pathways as either a Laboratory Technician or Patient Care Technician. The program will begin in the 2023-24 school year and is free of charge to successful applicants.
According to Dirk Webb, Director of Responsive Education for Jefferson County Schools, the MedEd partnership offers students a clear path to a sustainable career in the healthcare industry.
"WVU Medicine is committed to offering job opportunities to students who complete the program and meet pre-employment requirements," he said.
Beginning junior year, students in the MedEd program will complete two of five courses through Blue Ridge CTC, followed by field experiences within a hospital setting. Students will select their career path senior year and complete a paid internship with WVU Medicine, along with the remaining coursework. Upon successful completion of the MedEd program, students may take the certification exam for their chosen path.
Webb said the program is unique in its ability to offer participants a paid internship during their senior year.
"We're pleased to be able to offer a program with this level of opportunity and benefits. It's a big incentive for our seniors."
Students interested in enrolling in the MedEd program may visit https://www.jcswv.org/meded to apply. Classes will begin in the fall 2023 semester.