Fayetteville Technical Community College, Cape Fear Valley Health System, and Cumberland County  Schools have joined forces on a bold new workforce initiative designed to increase student awareness of  healthcare careers and accelerate their path from high school to high demand jobs. The collaborative  effort—one of the region’s most comprehensive early-talent strategies—brings together education, industry,  and community partners to strengthen the healthcare pipeline at a moment when workforce shortages  continue to challenge hospitals nationwide. 

A Strategic Partnership to Build Tomorrow’s Healthcare Workforce 

Eighteen students from Cumberland County high schools without existing allied health programs were  selected for the inaugural cohort. The goal is simple but ambitious: give students meaningful exposure to  healthcare careers, equip them with foundational skills, and create a seamless bridge into postsecondary  training and employment. 

The initiative begins with a two-week immersion experience hosted by Cape Fear Valley Health System,  followed by a six-week Nurse Aide I course at Fayetteville Technical Community College. By the end of the  eight-week journey, students will have explored dozens of healthcare roles, have earned industry-recognized  credentials, and gained hands-on experience in real clinical environments. 

This model is intentionally designed to streamline the journey from high school to higher education and into  the workforce, strengthening the region’s long-term talent pipeline. 

Two Weeks of Immersive Learning Inside a Major Health System 

The immersion program introduces students to the full spectrum of healthcare—from bedside care to  behind-the-scenes operations. It emphasizes professionalism, communication, safety, and early workforce  readiness. 

Students receive structured exposure to clinical and nonclinical careers through:

• Healthcare role exploration — unit tours, leadership panels, and an overview of nursing and allied  health pathways. 

• HIPAA and confidentiality basics — understanding patient privacy and compliance. • Patient experience mapping — following a patient from arrival to discharge. 

• Nonclinical career discovery — IT, finance, HR, supply chain, and other essential support functions. 

Students also earn American Heart Association CPR certification, a foundational credential for many entry level healthcare roles. 

Professional Skills That Employers Value 

The program places strong emphasis on employability skills that shape workplace success and are portable  across business and industry sectors. Students participate in sessions on: 

• Professional communication and the AIDET model 

• Time management and punctuality 

• Emotional intelligence and conflict de-escalation 

• Social media professionalism 

• Mock interviews and role-play scenarios 

By the end of the immersion, each student completes a polished résumé and a personalized career action  plan. 

Hands-On Simulation and Real-world Shadowing 

Students rotate through simulation labs and shadowing experiences that mirror real clinical workflows. They  practice: 

• Vital signs measurement 

• PPE usage and infection prevention 

• High-fidelity simulations using programmable manikins 

• Clinical communication using SBAR handoff techniques 

• Maternal, infant, and trauma care demonstrations 

Students also shadow nurses, technicians, and allied health professionals across Cape Fear Valley’s units,  gaining a realistic view of healthcare operations. 

Transition to FTCC’s Nurse Aide I Program 

After completing the immersion, students enter a six-week Nurse Aide I course at FTCC, where they learn  essential clinical skills including: 

• Vital signs 

• Infection control 

• Patient mobility

• Personal care assistance 

Upon completion, students are eligible for the Nurse Aide I State licensure exam, opening doors to  employment in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, and home health agencies.  Additionally, Cape Fear Health is willing to provide students with an opportunity to interview for open  positions to work part-time while completing their educational requirements. 

To remove financial barriers, students receive: 

• Free tuition and fees 

• Free textbooks 

• Free BP cuff, stethoscope, and gait belt 

• Free uniforms 

• A $1,900 stipend 

This investment ensures that cost is never a barrier to entering a high demand, high-impact career. A Long-Term Vision for Regional Workforce Strength 

The partnership between FTCC, Cumberland County Schools, and Cape Fear Valley Health System reflects  a shared commitment to building a sustainable healthcare workforce pipeline. By engaging students early,  providing structured training, and connecting them directly to employment pathways, the initiative aims to  increase throughput in the talent pipeline and support the region’s long-term healthcare needs. 

FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells emphasized the importance of this collaborative approach, noting: 

“When we work hand-in-hand with our K–12 and industry partners, we create a more streamlined and cost efficient pathway for students—one that increases awareness of high-demand occupations like healthcare  and equips them with the technical and professional skills our community needs. This initiative reflects our  shared commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers while strengthening the region’s  workforce.” 

This program is more than a summer experience—it is a strategic workforce solution that prepares young  people for meaningful careers while strengthening the economic and healthcare infrastructure of  Cumberland County.