Singing River Healthcare Academy opens in Ocean Springs

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WXXV) — People from across the state attended the grand opening of Singing River’s Healthcare Academy apprenticeship program — the first program of its kind in Mississippi.

Notable members of the community were in attendance for the official ribbon cutting, with many praising the major medical advancements happening right here on the Mississippi Coast.

This is the first medical apprenticeship program in the state. It was established due to a need for more medical professionals locally, but not enough programs to support that need. Now, officials are saying some programs are already filled and the academy has received a considerable amount of applicants.

The academy offers multiple programs for those interested in becoming surgical techs, certified nursing assistants, pharmacy techs and more. All classes are free of charge, and apprentices get paid while they learn, allowing them to leave the program debt-free.

One apprentice says through the program she has learned what her true passion is and is now able to provide for herself in a way she was unable to before.

Visit the Singing River Healthcare Academy online for the application as well as a list of requirements for each program.