Fifty-five Greeneville High School students signed commitments Monday to join the inaugural class of Ballad Health Academy through a new program called Devil Med, aimed at preparing students for health care careers.
Held at GHS, the signing ceremony marked the start of a regional initiative funded by a $250 million Bloomberg Philanthropies grant to expand career pathways in health care.
Ballad Health Academy offers free, hands-on medical training, dual-enrollment courses through TCAT, and guaranteed job interviews with Ballad Health. Students will gain real-world experience through clinical rotations, study subjects like nursing and pharmacology, and learn in modern labs.
The program also includes clinical rotations at Ballad Health facilities, simulation lab training, and mentorship from experienced nursing educators. Graduates are guaranteed job interviews with Ballad Health and can enter the workforce directly after high school.