Alabama healthcare high school to open in 2026
ALABAMA, UNITED STATES — Alabama is set to open a groundbreaking healthcare-focused high school in 2026 in the city of Demopolis to address the state’s pressing need for healthcare workers.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey approved the creation of the school on May 2 after its legislation cleared the House and Senate.
High school initiative to plug gaps in rural areas
The governor noted that the new school will be critical to the state’s initiative to boost its healthcare workforce, particularly in rural areas.
“There is simply no denying it, and we need more people to fill just about every kind of healthcare job out there — doctors, nurses, techs, you name it,” Ivey said in her 2024 State of the State Address.
In an interview with The Montgomery Advertiser, Alabama Senate minority leader Bobby Singleton expects at least 200 students to enroll in the new school.
In addition to a high school diploma, students will be able to earn certifications and diplomas in various medical fields.
Massive $250 million partnership between schools and hospitals
Health systems in Demopolis are one of the 13 major health systems partnering with public education systems in a $250 million initiative to create new healthcare-focused high schools.
Students will have access to a healthcare curriculum, which includes on-the-job learning and the opportunity to receive credentials and certifications.
In sum, the schools will serve nearly 6,000 students at full capacity, all of whom will have opportunities to work in the healthcare industry.
Bloomberg Philanthropies, the charity firm of businessman and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, will provide an initial investment of $24.9 million in the school project.
“By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, these specialized healthcare high schools will prepare students for careers with opportunities for growth and advancement. America needs more healthcare workers, and we need a stronger, larger middle class — and this is a way to help accomplish both goals,” Bloomberg said.
