Trinity Valley Community College, in cooperation with the Kaufman ISD and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital have announced an entry level health career pathway training program for Kaufman High School students in Career and Technology Education (CTE) beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. The program would subsequently lead to hospital employment for some of those who successfully complete the training and achieve state certification as a Certified Nurse Aide through the college and Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The hospital also pledges to provide up to $10,000 in tuition reimbursement to selected trainees who work for the hospital and continue their education toward degrees.

“Kaufman ISD and Kaufman High School are committed to creating opportunities for students which prepare them for life after graduation,” said KHS Associate Principal Kyle Penn. “We have seen a large increase in the number of students interested in our health science classes. The medical field is continuing to grow and creating a number of job opportunities for future graduates. We are excited about a partnership with TVCC which will provide entry level medical training to Kaufman students and give them an excellent start in their pursuit of careers in the medical field. This partnership will pay dividends for our students and the community for years to come.

“This will be extremely advantageous for our students wanting to attain tier BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) but who may not have the financial means to achieve this goal,” said Cindy Darragh, KISD Health science Instructor/Practicum Coordinator. “The partnership between THR and TVCC is an invaluable resource for me as an instructor and for our students who want to take advantage of this great opportunity.”

“We appreciate the partnership between TVCC, Kaufman ISD and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital to support TVCC and KHS students that are seeking medical careers,” added TVCC President Dr. Jerry King.

For more information, contact Cindy Darragh at Kaufman High School, cdarragh@kaufman-isd.net; Gayla Roberts, TVCC Dean of Continuing and Workforce Education, groberts@tvcc.edu or Kelley Townsend, TVCC Director of Dual Credit, ktownsend@tvcc.edu.