When the Sullivan County education team began planning their new Innovative School Model project in January 2023, their goal was to create a program that students were interested in and passionate about, leading to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand healthcare careers. After surveying students and looking at healthcare industry needs, Sullivan East High School developed a nursing program. On November 15, 2024, the school had a ribbon-cutting ceremony and luncheon to celebrate the grand opening of their new nursing center. 

This incredible academic advancement would not have been possible without funding from the Innovative School Model Grant, partnerships with Ballad Health and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Elizabethton, leadership and guidance from the county’s director of schools, CTE and secondary supervisor, school principals, CTE teachers, and key community stakeholders. 

Thanks to partnerships formed with Ballad Health and TCAT Elizabethton, both Sullivan East and West Ridge high schools will launch a new licensed practical nursing (LPN) program in August 2025 that will allow students to obtain their LPN licenses before graduation. This exciting collaboration offers a sustainable career that will open new doors for students and create pathways to even greater opportunities and success for future graduates in Sullivan County. This new LPN program expands the healthcare pathways programs already offered by Sullivan East and West Ridge High School, including certified nursing assistant, PTTA, and CCMA certification programs. 

Ballad Health and the staff at Sullivan East and West Ridge are currently providing education on this new program in the middle and high schools, as well as recruiting for the inaugural class of LPN students, who are expected to graduate in 2028. We are excited to see what this innovative program will continue to do for Sullivan County students!