A Pipeline for Diversity in Healthcare: Nurses Middle College Nashville

Dr. Andrea Poynter, founder and Executive Director of Nurses Middle College Nashville, shares how she designed the first public nursing high school specifically to address work shortages and a lack of diversity in the healthcare industry. A first-of-its-kind public nursing high school opening Fall 2025, NursesMC Nashville aims to prepare students, particularly those from underrepresented and low-income communities, for careers in healthcare before they even graduate high school. Blending rigorous academics, hands-on clinical experience, dual enrollment credits and real-world workforce connections ensure students leave college career-ready.