精东传媒

Empowering the Next Generation of Health Care Professionals 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Carolinas College of Health Sciences, in collaboration with Atrium Health are supporting educational efforts and workforce development at Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences, to prepare students for four specific pathways of health sciences degrees, certificates and careers. The Bloomberg Philanthropies Healthcare Education Initiative’s partnership aims to create student-centered, market-driven health care education initiatives. This initiative will create real access to stable, good-paying jobs and upward family mobility for Mecklenburg County students while filling critical health care shortages by strengthening the local health science talent pipeline.  

By removing barriers to college enrollment and providing progressive work-based learning opportunities, Hawthorne Academy students can receive dual enrollment at Carolinas College with seniors earning a high school diploma and an associates degree from Carolinas College after completing their program of study and creating a pathway to a career in health care. 

The Early College Program at Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences   

Hawthorne Academy students will participate in dual enrollment at  to earn  while completing their high school diploma. They will participate in on-campus skills labs, clinical experiences, paid summer internships, and more. 

Program Pathways 

In the spring of 10th grade, students will choose from four specialized pathways at Carolinas College to customize their health care education:  

Healthcare Simulation - This innovative program offers an exciting opportunity to work behind the scenes, merging health care and technology to create realistic simulation scenarios for diverse health care professionals.  This emerging field combines education, technology, operations, research and leadership skills. It’s perfect for those who want to make a significant impact in health care without direct patient interaction. 

Neurodiagnostic Technology - Students with a hunger for solving complex problems and a fascination with the innerworkings of the brain should join the Neurodiagnostic Technology program. This pathway teaches students to record electrical activity from the brain and nervous system to help physicians diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, somatosensory and motor nerve systems. This program is designed to train students to perform electroencephalograms (EEGs), evoked potentials (EPs) and Nerve Condition Studies (NCS) in hospitals and other health care facilities.  

Nursing - The Nursing program trains students to become Registered Nurses (RNs), who provide comprehensive care, treatment, counseling, and health education to individuals, families and communities. The curriculum includes essential topics such as nursing fundamentals, behavioral health and child and adolescent health. With today’s national demand for registered nurses, it is the perfect time for those with a passion to help others to pursue a sustainable and rewarding nursing career.  

Radiologic Technology - In the Radiologic Technology pathway, students will learn to become radiographers and to safely utilize X-rays to perform diagnostic imaging procedures using state-of-the-art equipment. Radiographers use professional and ethical judgment and critical thinking when performing their duties.  

Program Highlights 

• Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Certificate upon completion 
• Tuition-Free Associate Degree in General Studies by end of 12th grade, or with an optional Bridge Year 
• Transferrable College Credits 
• Early Exposure to College-level Coursework  
•  at Atrium Health 
• Career Shadowing and Clinical Rotations 
• Paid Summer Internships 
• Exposure to Atrium Health and 

Sample Student Timeline

• 8th grade: Students apply to Hawthorne Academy through the 精东传媒 lottery, with 100 students selected to enter the early college program. 
• 9th grade: Students participate in onsite work-based learning observations with Atrium Health. During the summer, they begin taking college courses at Carolinas College of Health Sciences. 
• 10th grade: In the spring, students select one of four specialized pathways to tailor their health education.  
• 11th grade: Students gain hands-on experience through a paid summer internship with Atrium Health. 
• 12th grade: Students complete their coursework while participating in a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) rotation. 
• Optional bridge year: Students may choose to pursue an Associate of Science degree or secure employment with Atrium Health. 

Our Special Features

• Hands-on medical field experience through work-based learning, job shadowing and internships.
• Smaller class sizes (1:28) teacher:student ratio with a career-focused education model.
• Virtual public high school course offerings to expand course choices.
• Technology ratio 1:1

The Bloomberg Philanthropies Healthcare Education Initiative  

In 2024, Bloomberg  announced a $250 million health care initiative allowing students to directly enter the workforce into high-demand health care positions with family-sustaining wages. Atrium Health and Carolinas College are excited to participate in this first-of-its kind initiative in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. As part of this initiative, Atrium Health has committed to providing job opportunities for students who successfully complete the graduation requirement of their respective programs.