BCTC Answering the Call for the Nursing Shortage Crisis
Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is excited to answer the call to the nurse shortage by offering their Healthcare Jumpstart Program, specifically designed for high school students looking to begin a career in nursing. This program provides high schoolers with a comprehensive education in the fundamentals of nursing, while also preparing them for the rigors of the nursing profession.
The Healthcare Jumpstart program is a partnership with BCTC, University of Kentucky Healthcare, and Kentucky school districts interested in creating a supportive pathway to a healthcare career for their students and to help the nurse shortage crisis.
Considering the nurse shortage, the BCTC Healthcare Jumpstart Program focuses on developing a strong foundation in nursing skills and concepts, including but not limited to pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, and patient care. With a rigorous curriculum, students will receive hands-on career training programs in various healthcare facilities, allowing them to gain valuable experience and build professional connections within the industry.
Through this program, students will have access to engaged and dedicated faculty, who are committed to helping them achieve their career aspirations in nursing. Equipped with quality education and practical experience, program graduates can confidently work as licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioner, registered nurses, or even pursue higher degrees in nursing.
High school students get a jumpstart in healthcare at BCTC!
The future of nursing is bright, and students graduating from this program will be well-equipped to make a difference in the lives of many patients.
High school students can take healthcare-focused college classes at BCTC while still enrolled in high school. This allows students to address the nurse shortage by:
- Exploring and cultivating an interest in healthcare
- Reducing or cutting the cost of attendance
- Saving time
- Earning transferrable college credits while in high school
Program Timeline
Grades 9 & 10
You'll work with your counselor during your first & second years of high school. You'll discuss the Jumpstart Program and what it means for your future.
Grades 11 & 12
You'll work with BCTC, UK HealthCare, and your school district to take the right classes. They'll also help prepare you for work. You'll need to have CPR and state registered nurse aid (SRNA) training during your junior year. You'll take anatomy, physiology, and math classes during your senior year.
BCTC Student
You can keep going and complete your associate degree in two years or less!
Learn more about BCTC's Nursing program.
Pay for your tuition and work for UK HealthCare
Other great benefits of this program? A scholarship AND a job at UK HealthCare.
UK HealthCare is offering scholarships to cover the cost of classes. UK Healthcare also provides guaranteed employment after graduation from BCTC.
To help combat the nurse shortage, those who accept the scholarship are expected to work for three years as a nurse practitioner.
Learn more about the benefits of continuing with UK HealthCare.
Interested in applying?
Complete the application on the Selective Admission associate degree Nursing page.
About BCTC
BCTC is a public community college in Lexington, Kentucky. It is one of sixteen two-year, open admission colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). It was formed from the consolidation of two separate institutions: Lexington Community College and Central Kentucky Technical College.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) has 7 campuses in Central Kentucky:
- Cooper Campus
- Danville Campus
- Georgetown-Scott County Campus
- Lawrenceburg Campus
- Leestown Campus
- Newtown Campus
- Winchester Campus
BCTC offers a variety of programs such as associate in arts, associate in science, automotive technology, information technology, health care, workforce education career training programs, and more. The college also provides various student support services including:
- Adult education and career training programs
- Online courses and programs
- On-campus housing
- Financial aid options
- Campus life activities and events
BCTC is a great option for students who are looking for a quality, affordable education. The college offers a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of its students, and its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ensures that students receive a quality education.
