Baptist Health Paducah and The Innovation Hub Announce Launch of Clinical Career Development Program
(PADUCAH, KY) – Feb. 17, 2025 - Baptist Health Paducah and the Paducah Innovation Hub have launched the Clinical Career Development Program (CCDP), a workforce development initiative designed to provide career pathways in healthcare that will allow students from the Paducah Innovation Hub, to gain employment with Baptist Health Paducah, upon graduation.
The Hub offers multiple health science pathways to students from Paducah Tilghman High School, St. Mary High School, Community Christian Academy and area homeschools. The program will enable graduates of the HUB to receive healthcare work experience, professional development and mentorship at Baptist Health Paducah.
“We are collaborating with local educational institutions to establish a seamless pathway from high school to post-secondary education and, ultimately, employment with the hospital,” said Reis Driver, director of business development, Baptist Health Paducah. “Our goal is to support students in building long, fulfilling careers with us that span 40 years or more.”
How the program works
If a student is interested in a healthcare pathway, the student will be enrolled in one of many programs offered by the Paducah Innovation Hub. Once the student graduates high school, graduates enrolled at West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC), Madisonville Community College (MCC) or Murray State University, will be employed by Baptist Health Paducah.
Once the student graduates from WKCTC, MCC or Murray State, graduates will be encouraged to transition into a full-time role at the hospital.
The goal of the CCDP will allow students to advance their education and careers in health sciences, and prepare students for careers such as Nursing, Surgical Technology, Radiography, Sonography, Respiratory Care and Medical Laboratory Science.
WKCTC and MCC students can take advantage of the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship and pursue an associate's degree. Murray State University School of Nursing and Health Professions, which offers bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs in multiple healthcare fields, will further enhance the educational opportunities available to program participants and may also be eligible for grants and scholarships. Tuition assistance is available to Baptist Health employees who are in full or part-time positions.
"We are excited to partner with the Paducah Innovation Hub and our local postsecondary education institutions to provide a pathway for students to gain the experience and education they need to excel in their healthcare careers," said Driver. "Our commitment to improving the equity in our community is reflected in this program, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our future healthcare professionals and also throughout our region."
Participants in the Clinical Career Development Program will be employed by Baptist Health Paducah.
For more information about the Clinical Career Development Program at Baptist Health Paducah, contact Human Resources at 270.575.2100, ext. 2727.