high school students

Fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals

Hale County Hospital recognizes the importance of supporting local youth and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. We are committed to providing hands-on, immersive learning opportunities that allow students to explore careers in medicine, develop essential skills, and gain real-world experience in a hospital setting.

We began this journey in August 2024 with a vision to educate and empower young minds within our community. Since then, our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for local students has continued to grow. What started as a single educational initiative has evolved into a dynamic and expanding pathway program designed to benefit both students and the community we proudly serve.

Scholars Program

The Hale County Hospital High School Scholars Program was designed to educate and expose high school students to the healthcare field through four core components: Careers in Healthcare, Scientific Reasoning, Technical Expertise, and Community Health.

As our first official student initiative, the program operated as an after-school experience held one day per week. Students were selected from Greensboro High School, with each cohort typically consisting of 10–13 participants.

The program focused primarily on healthcare education with staff shadowing opportunities. Students received instruction in human anatomy, body systems, and developed an understanding of the wide range of career paths available within healthcare. In addition, there were various guest speakers—including physicians, nurses, administrators, and other hospital professionals—who provided insight into their roles, daily responsibilities, and career journeys.

Core Components

1. Careers in Healthcare

Goal: To provide students with an understanding of the structure of the healthcare system and the vast array of job opportunities available within it.

  • Activities:

    • Shadowing hospital staff across various departments.

    • Attending presentations from healthcare providers.

    • Visiting EMA/EMS facilities to learn about emergency response roles.

    • College tours to explore healthcare education pathways

2. Scientific Reasoning

Goal: To explore foundational concepts in human biology, anatomy, and physiology, fostering a deeper understanding of the sciences behind healthcare.

  • Activities:

    • Engaging in mini-lectures on essential scientific concepts.

    • Participating in experiments to apply and visualize biological principles.

3. Technical Expertise

Goal: To introduce students to clinical exam skills and history-taking techniques essential for patient care.

  • Activities:

    • Working through medical case studies to develop problem-solving skills.

    • Completing CPR and First Aid certification.

    • Learning to assess vital signs and their significance.

    • Participating in a Surgery Day to observe and understand surgical procedures.

4. Community Health

Goal: To teach students how healthcare fits into broader social and cultural contexts and the importance of community health.

  • Activities:

    • Volunteering at a local nursing home and Horseshoe Farm to gain firsthand experience in community care.

    • Engaging in discussions on medical ethics and their role in healthcare decision-making.

    • Serving as Health Ambassadors to promote health awareness in their communities.

Summer Internship Program

Building on the success of the Scholars Program, Hale County Hospital launched the High School Summer Internship Program in the summer of 2025. The program was designed to provide students with hands-on experience in a professional healthcare environment, allowing participants to shadow healthcare professionals, assist with departmental needs, and gain valuable insight into medical careers.

The internship was divided into two four-week sessions—one in June and one in July. During each session, students completed eight scheduled shadowing days, each lasting three hours, within a designated department. To successfully complete the program, students were required to attend at least six shadowing days.

Approximately 50 students participated in the Summer Internship, with an impressive 90% completion rate. Through this experience, students gained real-world exposure to healthcare operations and observed patient care and hospital workflows firsthand, further strengthening their understanding of careers in medicine.

Available Departments & Responsibilities

1. Inpatient Unit

  • Shadow nurses and providers during patient rounds.

  • Assist with dietary services and patient care tasks.

2. Emergency Room (ER)

  • Greet and assist patients upon arrival.

  • Shadow nurses and providers during emergency care.

3. Greensboro Clinic

  • Greet and assist patients upon arrival.

  • Support reception staff.

  • Shadow nurses and providers during patient intake and appointments.

4. Moundville Medical Associates

  • Greet and assist patients upon arrival.

  • Support reception staff.

  • Shadow nurses and providers during patient intake and appointments.

5. Physical Therapy

  • Greet and assist patients upon arrival.

  • Support reception staff.

  • Shadow physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs).

6. Radiology

  • Observe imaging procedures and assist radiology staff as needed.

7. Laboratory

  • Shadow lab technicians and phlebotomists.

  • Assist with specimen processing and lab operations.

8. Home Health

  • Support office staff.

  • Shadow nurses on visits.

Introducing CLIMB Academy

In August 2025, Hale County Hospital proudly launched CLIMB Academy (Community Leaders in Medicine and Beyond)—the next evolution of our commitment to developing future healthcare leaders.

CLIMB was created after thoughtfully evaluating and building upon the strengths of our earlier student programs. More than just an educational experience, CLIMB is an immersive, hands-on pathway designed to inspire, prepare, and empower students to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare.

Unlike previous programs that focused primarily on classroom education and observation, CLIMB expands learning beyond the hospital walls. Students gain exposure to various healthcare settings and experience the full continuum of care, helping them better understand the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available within the healthcare system.

Most importantly, CLIMB was designed to strengthen the school-to-workforce pipeline in our community. By equipping local students with knowledge, skills, mentorship, and real-world exposure, we are actively investing in the future healthcare workforce of Hale County. Inspiring students to pursue healthcare careers is not only beneficial for them—it is essential for the long-term health and sustainability of our community.

Students selected from Greensboro High School participate in a comprehensive program that supports both academic achievement and professional development.

Core Initiatives

  1. Academic Support & Tutoring: Reinforcing classroom success and strengthening foundational knowledge.

  2. Volunteer & Service Opportunities: Encouraging community involvement while building responsibility and leadership.

  3. Structured Shadowing Experiences: Providing real-world exposure to healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines.

  4. ACT Preparation Assistance: Supporting college readiness and expanded educational opportunities.

  5. Resume Building Workshops: Teaching students how to professionally present their skills and experiences.

  6. Mock Interviews & Career Readiness Training: Developing confidence, communication skills, and workplace professionalism.

  7. And so much more to come!