GLADES COUNTY — The demand for nurses continues to increase, across the nation, and especially in Florida. Glades County Schools are addressing this shortage, by implementing a new Nursing Academy for its high school students.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment Projections 2019-2029, Registered Nursing (RN) is listed among the top occupations in terms of job growth through 2029. The RN workforce is expected to grow from 3 million in 2019 to 3.3 million in 2029, an increase of 221,900 or 7%. The Bureau also projects 175,900 openings for RNs each year through 2029 when nurse retirements and workforce exits are factored into the number of nurses needed in the U.S.”

Friday, April 23, an announcement regarding the new Nursing Academy went public, “We listened to our community and heard the need for more vocational education,” said Glades County Superintendent if Schools, Dr. Alice Barfield. “We are super excited to announce that Moore Haven High School will be offering a Nursing Academy.”

“Upon completion, students will have the requirements to sit for both the Certified Nursing Assistant Certification (CNA) and Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG) Technician,” Barfield explained, “The demand for nurses is continually growing, and the nursing career path offers many worthwhile benefits such as strong salaries, numerous opportunities, and a feeling of fulfillment. We will be partnering with local medical facilities not only to best prepare our students, but for assistance with job placement.”

“If you are excited about this academy… just wait!!!  In the works, Grow Our Own Teaching Academy and Welding/Automotive Academy. A lot of great things are happening in our school district,” Barfield added.

If you have a student interested in a career in the medical field, the introductory nursing classes are available to sophomores and juniors, due to program and course requirements. For more information about the Nursing Academy, please contact Beth Vickery, Glades County School Board, at 863-946-2083