Hinds County School District is partnering with Mississippi Baptist Medical Center to provide qualified students in the Health Science/Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at the Hinds County Career and Technical Center with supervised clinical learning experiences. The partnership will connect classroom instruction with practical experience as HCSD Achievers prepare for careers in healthcare.
Through the partnership, students will have opportunities to strengthen their skills, learn about professional expectations, and gain a deeper understanding of patient care while working toward CNA certification.
“This partnership gives our Achievers an opportunity to connect what they learn in the classroom with the responsibilities of patient care,” said Meagan Keyes, Director of the Hinds County Career and Technical Center. “Supervised clinical experiences will help them develop their skills, build confidence, and better understand the career opportunities available in healthcare.”
Under the agreement, the Hinds County Career and Technical Center will select and prepare eligible students and maintain required documentation. Mississippi Baptist Medical Center will provide access to clinical learning settings and assist with scheduling and supervision.
Participating students must meet Baptist’s health, safety, orientation, and patient privacy requirements. Clinical experiences will focus on student learning, with participants serving as learners rather than replacing hospital employees.
“Our responsibility is to help our Achievers see the possibilities ahead and prepare them to pursue those possibilities,” said Dr. Mitchell M. Shears, Superintendent & Chief Learner. “Through this partnership, we are connecting learning to purpose and opening doors to careers that allow our Achievers to serve others and strengthen their communities.”
The partnership reflects HCSD’s commitment to connecting academic preparation with meaningful career opportunities. By extending learning into a professional healthcare environment, the district is helping Achievers build the knowledge, confidence, and experience to take their next steps toward the future.