The first year of the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida initiative has been an overwhelming success. In partnership with the Consortium, this three-year statewide effort set out to strengthen Florida’s healthcare workforce pipeline by expanding and enhancing health science programs across public high schools. Remarkably, the program exceeded its overall three-year certification goal by 51% in the first year alone, a milestone that demonstrates the power of collaboration between education and industry.
Key outcomes from Year 1 include:
1,767 healthcare certifications earned by students statewide.
42% increase in enrollment across all 15 participating programs.
100% of surveyed students reported an increased interest in healthcare careers.
- 69% of surveyed students indicate increased knowledge of healthcare careers.
New healthcare academies launched in Clay and Pasco Counties.
More than 4,500 students reached in Palm Beach County alone.
3,738 new students in the program, tripling the goal set for the overall program.
These results highlight the success of the Consortium’s partnership with HCA in aligning education with workforce needs, ensuring students graduate ready to serve Florida’s growing healthcare sector.
“I would like to thank HCA for their commitment and support in fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. This opportunity has made a significant impact on our students’ educational journeys and career readiness,” shared LaMonica Davis, Medical Skills Program Coordinator at Eastside High School.
Alachua County – HCA Career Pathways to a Healthier Alachua
Students in Alachua County gained firsthand experience through a new two-day nurse shadowing event at HCA North Florida Hospital. Seventeen students completed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses, with many continuing toward certification. Nearly all participants reported an interest in medical careers, and several expressed a desire to work for HCA in the future. These experiences are opening doors for students in underrepresented areas, particularly in Hawthorne, creating new pipelines into the healthcare profession.
Clay County – Paving the Way for Healthcare Careers in Clay
Clay County’s initiative broke new ground with a fully launched healthcare program at Fleming Island High School and expanded clinical access across the district. Over 1,150 students benefited from the program, with enrollment up 23.6% from the prior year. Students gained real-world exposure through tours at Mayo Clinic and Ascension’s Heart of Healthcare Day. More than 40 students competed at the state HOSA competition, marking an all-time district high.
Duval County – The Future of Florida’s Healthcare Workforce
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund supported 345 students across the Biomedical Sciences program at Darnell-Cookman and a new CNA program at Jean Ribault High School. These programs combined rigorous lab-based instruction with certification preparation and the creation of a new HOSA chapter. This expansion reflects Duval’s strong commitment to equitable access and career readiness in healthcare.
Citrus County – Comprehensive Expansion at Crystal River High School
Citrus County strengthened Crystal River High School’s Academy of Health Careers by removing financial barriers and upgrading equipment to mirror real clinical settings. Year 1 priorities included paying certification exam fees and purchasing five Bionet CardioTouch 3000 machines to expand hands-on EKG practice. The investment delivered immediate results: 40 students earned industry-recognized credentials, including 20 Certified Medical Administrative Assistant certifications and 20 EKG Technician certifications. With goals met, the academy now has the tools, structure, and momentum to grow enrollment, deepen skill development, and position more students for success in healthcare pathways that serve the community’s workforce needs.
Palm Beach County – A Day in the Life of a Nurse
The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County reached an impressive 4,501 students across 17 high schools. Through initiatives such as A Day in Medicine and Day in the Life of a Nurse, students gained exposure to real healthcare environments and earned more than 1,480 program certificates. Teachers also benefited, with 94% reporting greater confidence and improved instructional effectiveness thanks to program support.
Escambia County – Students Soar into Healthcare
In Escambia County, 250 students advanced through health science programs thanks to HCA’s investment in certification preparation and exam fees. The result was 38 new industry certifications in areas such as Patient Care Technician, Clinical Medical Assistant, and EKG Technician. Student retention in Health Science Academies rose sharply as more learners stayed engaged through hands-on experiences and HOSA competitions. Fourteen students advanced to regional contests, six to state, and one even to the international stage. One senior summarized the program’s impact best: “Being in the Health Academy confirmed that this environment aligns with my future career goals,” said Sam Phillips, a West High School student.
Manatee County – Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida
In Manatee County, Parrish Community High School launched a new Allied Health course that lays the groundwork for future certifications and career exploration. The program served 135 students in its first year, giving them exposure to diverse medical careers through hands-on training, guest speakers, and simulation-based learning. Students practiced CPR and first aid, learned trauma care through “Stop the Bleed” training, and gained insight into specialties like gastroenterology, family medicine, mortuary science, and phlebotomy. While staffing transitions limited participation early on, a new teacher and expanded outreach are expected to significantly increase enrollment in 2025–26. The foundation’s commitment has firmly positioned Manatee students for long-term success in the healthcare field.
Marion County – Boosting Our Students for a Healthier Tomorrow
Marion County students gained real-world experience in nursing, CNA, and medical assisting through a robust mix of classroom instruction, clinical work, and certifications. The program supported 300 students across multiple schools, equipping them with the skills and confidence to succeed in the healthcare workforce. More than 100 students earned CPR certification, 84 participated in hospital job shadowing, and 640 received Stop the Bleed training. Marion’s students also excelled at international HOSA competitions, reflecting their strong preparation. Educators noted greater engagement and enthusiasm across classrooms—evidence that the program is helping shape tomorrow’s healthcare leaders right here in Florida.
Martin County – Empowering a Healthier Martin
Martin County’s healthcare pathway program empowered 215 high school juniors and seniors to pursue careers in medicine through certifications, internships, and clinical experiences. The initiative added new credentials in EKG Technician and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, expanding options beyond traditional CNA and CMAA. More than 80 students completed work-based learning at hospitals and clinics, gaining practical experience that boosted confidence and performance. Teacher training and curriculum upgrades strengthened program quality, while targeted outreach increased participation among students of color and first-generation college students by 15%. This model demonstrates how thoughtful investment builds both student opportunity and community health.
Pasco County – Patient Care Technician Pathway Enhancement
In Pasco County, the HCA-funded project transformed access for Title I students by providing scrubs, PPE, and clinical tools needed for hands-on learning. Enrollment climbed from 550 to 661 students, and 179 industry certifications were earned, including 173 CNAs. The district also launched a new Patient Care Technician program serving 195 students. By removing financial barriers and expanding lab experiences, Pasco’s program gave more students the confidence and skills to enter healthcare fields. “The tools, training, and exposure these students receive are shaping the next generation of patient care professionals,” said a district program coordinator.
Pinellas County – Building the Next Generation of Healthcare Heroes
Pinellas County’s Pathway to Care initiative focused on hands-on training and skill mastery. New partnerships with St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida–St. Petersburg enhanced postsecondary connections, while five new low-fidelity manikins allowed students to practice real-world patient care techniques. Six students earned Certified Medical Administrative Assistant credentials in Year 1, and more are preparing to test in 2025. Despite hurricanes and leadership transitions, the program remained resilient and student interest grew. Plans are underway for expanded certification opportunities and campus tours to USF, ensuring continued growth and sustained student success in the healthcare field.
Seminole County – Allied Health Professional Employment Gateway
Seminole County’s Allied Health Professional Employment Gateway opened new doors for students from underrepresented communities to train and certify in high-demand healthcare roles. The program served 562 students, providing real-world experiences and state-of-the-art medical equipment that mirrored professional environments. With certifications in CNA, CMA, and Patient Care Technician, students gained practical skills and workplace professionalism. “Our students are leaving high school with the same equipment training and professionalism expected in the workplace,” said Kristin Brillant, EPathways Facilitator. Early results project a 98% certification success rate, underscoring the program’s strong alignment between education and workforce preparation.
St. Lucie County – Healthcare Heroes in Training
Through Healthcare Heroes in Training, 136 St. Lucie County students across four Title I high schools gained expanded access to healthcare education. The HCA grant funded new hospital beds, manikins, and phlebotomy supplies, which increased both enrollment and engagement. Students earned 165 industry certifications, and 122 reported increased interest in healthcare careers. Teachers observed higher participation and stronger skill development in clinical simulations and labs. The initiative not only met but exceeded its Year 1 goals, giving more students the tools and confidence to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare while strengthening the local workforce pipeline.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Pathway to a Healthier Florida
The momentum built in Year 1 of the Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida initiative is only the beginning. At the Consortium’s annual ConnectED Conference, HCA Healthcare Foundation proudly announced Year 2 funding for the same participating local education foundations, reaffirming its commitment to preparing Florida’s future healthcare workforce. This continued investment will expand successful programs, deepen clinical partnerships, and open more opportunities for students to earn certifications and gain hands-on experience in medical settings.
Together, HCA Healthcare Foundation and the Consortium are creating lasting change, ensuring that today’s students become tomorrow’s healthcare professionals, ready to serve communities across the state.
“The collaboration between our local foundations, school districts, and HCA Healthcare Foundation is transforming career education,” said Consortium President Amity Schuyler. “When students can see, touch, and experience what’s possible, the impact goes far beyond certification, it builds confidence, purpose, and a healthier Florida for all.”