General Questions
What is Singing River Healthcare Academy?
Singing River Healthcare Academy is Mississippi’s first-ever medical apprenticeship program designed to train the next generation of healthcare professionals through hands-on learning, expert instruction, and direct clinical exposure.
The Healthcare Academy was created to address workforce shortages in the healthcare industry and provide accessible, high-quality education and training to individuals seeking careers in healthcare.
What is the Healthcare Academy’s mission?
Building tomorrow’s healthcare workforce today through hands-on training that develops skills, opens career pathways, and improves lives in our community.
Who can attend the Healthcare Academy?
The Healthcare Academy is open to high school students, recent graduates, adult learners, and current healthcare workers looking to advance their skills.
Entry-level programs are available, but some programs require prior medical training or education. See our Eligibility Requirements page for more information on each program.
What makes the Healthcare Academy the first-of-its-kind in the state?
The Healthcare Academy is the only facility in Mississippi that offers integrated, immersive training programs directly in partnership with a health system, with a focus on career placement and community pipeline development.
How is the Healthcare Academy funded?
The Healthcare Academy is funded through a combination of Singing River Health System investment, workforce development grants, and strategic educational partnerships. We are proudly supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Bower Foundation, and AccelerateMS, whose leadership and vision are instrumental to our mission. Visit our About page to learn more about the Healthcare Academy’s grantors and partners.
Programs & Curriculum
What programs do you offer?
The Healthcare Academy currently offers six accredited apprenticeship programs. Each program includes classroom instruction, clinical training, and mentorship:
– Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
– Medical Assistant (MA)
– Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
– Phlebotomy Tech
– Pharmacy Tech
– Surgical Tech
Additional programs currently in development:
– LPN to RN Bridge Program
– MA to LPN Bridge Program
– Medical Billing & Coding
How long are the programs?
Programs vary in length from one to two years, depending on the certification.
Do you offer hands-on clinical training?
Yes! All students receive immersive hands-on training in simulation labs and may complete clinical rotations at Singing River facilities. Apprentices typically gain four to ten times more direct clinical experience than traditional students, thanks to integrated work-based learning that embeds them in real patient care environments from the start. This accelerated exposure builds confidence, competence, and lasting career readiness.
Are your programs accredited?
Yes, the Singing River Healthcare Academy apprenticeship programs are accredited by recognized organizations:
– Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Certification provided by the Mississippi Department of Health.
– Medical Assistant (MA) – Also aligned with AMT for Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification.
– Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Accredited through the Mississippi Board of Nursing and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The didactic training is accredited through MGCCC.
– Phlebotomy Tech – Prepares students for national certification through American Medical Technologists (AMT).
– Pharmacy Tech – Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
– Surgical Tech – Follows curriculum standards set by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Each program blends classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training and culminates in certification or licensure aligned with industry standards. In addition to program-specific accreditation, the Singing River Healthcare Academy is a Registered Apprenticeship Program recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, and has been designated as an Apprenticeship Ambassador, reflecting its commitment to expanding high-quality, industry-driven training pathways in healthcare.
Can I transfer credits to or from another institution?
Some credits may be transferable depending on the program and institution. Please contact our Admissions Office for specific guidance.
Will new programs be added in the future?
The Healthcare Academy plans to expand its offerings with high-demand programs such as Epic certification and employee health record certification pathways, along with future development in specialized clinical fields.
Admissions & Cost
How do I apply?
Complete an online application or contact our Admissions Office.
What are the admission requirements?
Requirements vary by program but generally include a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have prerequisites. Visit our Eligibility Requirements page for more information.
Is financial aid or tuition assistance available?
Students sign a commitment and loan agreement, which ensures financial accountability and a clear pathway for program completion and career placement. Qualifying students may also receive additional financial assistance and scholarships to support their training. Singing River partners with local employers and workforce programs to enhance access and long-term career opportunities.
Is there an application fee?
No.
How do I prepare for my interview?
– Research our apprenticeship programs and the organization
– Practice by doing a mock interview
– Confirm the date, time, and location of the interview
– Arrive early
– Dress appropriately
– Stay focused
– Ask questions if you don’t understand
– Bring cover letter, resume, notebook, and pen
Career Outcomes & Support
Why would I want to do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn transferrable skills and gain access to a company or a sector you want to work in. If you do a really good job and become a valued member of the team, it will put you in a strong position when there are permanent job opportunities.
Will I be guaranteed a job after graduation?
While employment cannot be formally guaranteed, our partnership with Singing River Health System provides strong, structured pathways to job placement. We maintain active workforce projections and align all Academy training with real positions and staffing needs within the organization. From clinical roles to operational and technical tracks, we have identified jobs and career pathways for every program offering a direct bridge from training to employment.
Do you help with job placement?
Yes. We offer resume assistance, interview prep, job fairs, and career services to help students transition into the workforce.
Can I work at Singing River after I graduate?
Absolutely! Many of our graduates go on to work in the health system, and we are proud to build our workforce from within.
How does the Healthcare Academy help address healthcare staffing shortages in the region?
By training local students, including adult learners seeking career advancement or transition, into high-demand roles and connecting them directly to employment opportunities within the health system and community, the Healthcare Academy builds a sustainable, inclusive workforce pipeline. This model supports learners at every stage, from recent graduates to working professionals, and helps retain skilled talent within the region.
For Parents & Community Members
Is the Healthcare Academy part of a public school system?
No. While we work closely with local public schools, the Healthcare Academy is operated in partnership with Singing River Health System and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC). Together, we serve the wider community by creating accessible, career-focused education pathways that address real workforce needs in our region.
Can high school students participate?
Yes! We offer dual enrollment opportunities for qualified high school students through our Allied Health Career & Technical Education (CTE) partnership, which allows students to begin hands-on healthcare training while earning credit toward graduation and future credentials. This program builds early exposure to clinical careers and supports seamless transition into postsecondary education or workforce pathways.
What local schools, community colleges, or workforce programs are partnered with the Healthcare Academy?
Partners include Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program, AccelerateMS, and workforce development agencies, as well as local high schools across Jackson, George, and Harrison Counties. These collaborations strengthen regional talent pipelines and support accessible career training for diverse learners.
Growth & Expansion
How many students are currently enrolled in the Healthcare Academy?
Enrollment continues to grow as awareness of the Healthcare Academy and demand for skilled healthcare workers increases. Based on current trends and expanded apprenticeship pathways, we project serving at least 250 students in 2025. This figure reflects only core healthcare program and apprenticeship enrollment and does not include students participating in other Academy-led initiatives, such as high school CTE pathways, professional development training, and certification-based programs. The true scope and community reach of the Academy is significantly broader.
What does the Healthcare Academy’s new expanded facility include?
The new state-of-the-art facility allows us to significantly expand capacity, offering more classroom space, advanced simulation labs, and dedicated areas for hands-on training. It also opens the door to launching additional programs in high-demand fields like radiology and respiratory therapy.
Will new programs be added as part of the expansion?
Yes. As we grow, we plan to add new certifications and pathways in response to evolving healthcare workforce demands. These may include training for surgical technicians, clinical support roles, and employee health record certifications, along with advanced nursing assistant programs and other high-impact career tracks.
Will the expanded facility be open to more counties or school districts?
Yes. The expansion allows us to partner with more schools and extend dual-enrollment opportunities, career pipelines, and workforce development across the Gulf Coast region.
Operations & Contact
What are your hours of operation?
The Singing River Healthcare Academy typically operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Who do I contact for more information?
For more information, contact Admissions by calling (228) 809-4027 or send us a message on our Contact page.
Can I tour the facility?
Yes! We offer scheduled tours and welcome visitors to special events and open houses. To schedule a tour, please call (228) 809-4027.
How can I support the Healthcare Academy?
You can support the Healthcare Academy by becoming a community partner, offering scholarships, sponsoring equipment or programs, or promoting healthcare careers among local students. Contact Gayle Brown, Grant Specialist, at [email protected] to discuss partnership opportunities.