Expanding Healthcare Services to Address Critical Needs

Two Blue Ridge Community College healthcare students learn techniques at the Health Sciences Center. (Photo by Benjamin Rickert, Marketing & Communications Dept.)

This article was first published in the 2022-2023 Annual Report.

Blue Ridge Community College proudly serves more than 500 students enrolled in healthcare education programs each year, helping to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, and particularly nurses, across our region.

Upon successful completion of their coursework and training, these students gain immediate employment as nurses, nurse aides, surgical technologists, phlebotomists and various healthcare support professionals with hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, health clinics and doctors’ offices in Henderson and Transylvania counties.

Since 2020, in addition to expanding the nursing program, Blue Ridge has added 11 new healthcare programs. Many provide a fast-track option for students looking for a path to a promising new career in less than a year.

Our ability to be nimble and responsive to local needs enables us to quickly add and expand programs and offerings that address the critical need for healthcare providers in our communities. Local providers have been invaluable in their support of these programs and the development of our students.

“Blue Ridge continues to be a valuable and trusted workforce partner to Pardee,” said Jay Kirby, president and CEO of UNC Health Pardee. “Like so many healthcare systems across the country and our region, we are focused on growing our team with qualified clinicians – across all levels.”

The Health Sciences Center in Hendersonville continues to be Blue Ridge’s healthcare training hub. This state-of-the-art facility is also home to the Hendersonville campus for Wingate University’s Pharmacy and Physician Assistant programs and the Cancer Center and Surgical Associates offices for UNC Health Pardee. Having these three symbiotic partners under one roof has opened up boundless possibilities for healthcare training and future employment for Blue Ridge graduates.

These strategic partnerships offer a win-win for graduates and industry leaders.

“Having a well-respected institution so close to campus that can not only train and educate
but prepare students for a future in healthcare shortens the time we spend in recruitment –
and ultimately – retention,” added Kirby.

Learn more about these programs and partnerships at www.blueridge.edu/healthcare.