Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has partnered with the Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) to expand the college’s existing RN program.

There is a state-wide nursing shortage, and these two organizations are joining together to help solve the problem.

Govenor Matt Bevin’s Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC) has developed the Kentucky Advanced Technical College High (K-TECH), the state’s college-high school apprenticeship program, in partnership with BSCTC, PMC, Pike County School System and Pikeville Independent School System.

This three-year, $627,000 Pathways to STEM Apprenticeship grant will launch an apprenticeship program involving area schools and will focus on healthcare and information technologies, two of the state’s fastest growing job sectors. The grant is aimed at supporting Kentucky’s efforts to prepare the future workforce by increasing the number of students participating in STEM courses in high school and post-secondary schools.

“Our organization is fortunate to have a supportive board of directors who are working diligently to lay the groundwork for the immediate and future needs of health care in our community,” said Vice President of the Board of Directors and CEO Donovan Blackburn. “Thanks to Governor Bevin’s support, this new directive is a positive and innovative project that will drive education, provide professional career paths, and secure quality health care today and far into the future.”