Health First, Brevard Public Schools Partner to Create Four-Year Healthcare Career Pathway

Health First Healthcare Academy Offers Students Direct Pipeline to Medical Careers

The first cohort of Melbourne High’s Health First Healthcare Academy is expected to begin its four-year journey this fall, with Health First clinicians, educators, and support staff.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — Melbourne High School is opening the door to future healthcare careers with the launch of the Health First Healthcare Academy, a new four-year program designed to equip students with hands-on training, industry certifications, and real-world clinical experience before graduation.

Developed in partnership with Health First and Brevard Public Schools’ Career & Technical Education (CTE) department, the academy features a specialized Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Program, giving students the opportunity to earn credentials that can lead directly to employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical settings.

The program reflects a growing statewide – and national – demand for qualified healthcare workers. For Health First, the Space Coast’s largest healthcare system, the academy is as much an investment in tomorrow’s workforce as it is a collaboration with local schools.

“Health First is honored to partner with Brevard Public Schools in developing this unique pathway,” said Terry Forde, Health First President and CEO.

“Over the next decade, the need for healthcare professionals at every level is expected to rise dramatically. Through immersive experiences, education, and hands-on learning, students in this program will gain real-world exposure while developing valuable skills that prepare them for college or the workforce.”

A Four-Year Journey From Classroom to Clinic

The Health First Healthcare Academy is structured as a progressive track beginning in 9th grade and culminating in focused training during students’ senior year:

• 9th Grade: Students meet monthly with Health First professionals, take part in campus visits, and participate in introductory lessons on medical careers and terminology.

• 10th Grade: Through Health Science Anatomy & Physiology, students dive deeper into body systems and clinical case studies, including hands-on experiences at a Health First facility.

• 11th Grade: Students complete Health Science Foundations, sharpening skills in healthcare delivery, leadership, and employability. They then select between two pathways — Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or Patient Care Assisting (PCA).

• 12th Grade: Students begin specialized training in their chosen track, graduating with job-ready skills, certifications, and career guidance.

For those on the PCA track, senior-year training aligns directly with the Patient Care Assisting curriculum, where students learn medical terminology, legal and ethical responsibilities, gerontology, nutrition, and even unique areas such as pet-facilitated therapy.

Students also earn CPR Heart Saver certification and develop the interpersonal skills essential in patient care.

Graduates who earn at least a C in all required coursework are eligible to take the Florida Board of Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, providing them with an immediate route into the healthcare workforce after graduation.

Bridging Education and Workforce Needs

Brevard Public Schools leaders say the academy is part of a broader commitment to aligning educational programs with high-demand fields.

“Preparing students for tomorrow’s workforce starts today,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell.

“The Health First Healthcare Academy is more than a program — it’s a promise that our graduates will leave with the skills, confidence, and experience to make an immediate impact in healthcare.”

The program is among dozens of CTE pathways across Brevard Public Schools that offer students industry certifications, technical training, and hands-on experience before graduating.

Healthcare remains one of the region’s fastest-growing sectors, and district officials say partnerships like this help ensure students can meet those needs.

The first cohort of Melbourne High’s Health First Healthcare Academy is expected to begin its four-year journey this fall, with Health First clinicians, educators, and support staff integrated throughout the curriculum.

As demand for healthcare professionals grows, BPS leaders hope the academy will serve as a model for future education-industry partnerships — and inspire students to discover careers that keep the Space Coast healthy for years to come.

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