BUCKHANNON — Upshur County Schools has partnered with a local hospital to give students a head start in beginning healthcare careers.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital announced the new partnership with Upshur County Schools

and the Education Alliance to launch the MedEd Program, a two-year career pathway designed to prepare high school students for immediate employment in the healthcare field following graduation.

The MedEd Program offers current sophomores at Buckhannon-Upshur High School the opportunity to pursue a direct career pathway as a Patient Care Technician during their junior and senior years.

The program is provided at no cost to students, and includes classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and a paid internship at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Upon successful completion of the program, students may be eligible to sit for a certification exam, as applicable.

“Patient Care Technicians play a vital role on healthcare teams by supporting nurses, physicians, and other clinical staff in providing patient care,” a press release states. “As part of the MedEd experience, students will rotate through key areas such as phlebotomy and sterile processing, gaining valuable real-world exposure to hospital operations.”

“This program represents an investment in both our students and the future healthcare workforce of Upshur County,” said Destiny Brady, Project Manager for WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital. “By giving students hands-on experience and a clear career pathway, we’re helping them build meaningful careers while strengthening local healthcare.”

Key features of the MedEd Program include:

∫ Open to current sophomores at Buckhannon-Upshur High School for their junior and senior years;

∫ Limited enrollment to ensure hands-on learning;

∫ Two healthcare-focused courses during junior and senior years;

∫ Bus transportation provided to and from the hospital;

∫ Students will complete a paid internship ($15 per hour) during the second semester of their senior year at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Applications for the MedEd Program will be open today through Feb. 27. Interested students and families are encouraged to contact their high school counselor for more information, or submit their contact information via the QR code included on program materials.

“The MedEd Program reflects a shared commitment by WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, Upshur County Schools, and the Education Alliance to expand career-ready opportunities for students while addressing workforce needs in healthcare,” the release states.

For more information, contact ya high school counselor or visit WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s social media pages.