Founder: Andrea Poynter

Dr. Andrea Poynter, founder and Executive Director of Nurses Middle College Nashville, shares how she designed the first public nursing high school specifically to address work shortages and a lack of diversity in the healthcare industry. A first-of-its-kind public nursing high school opening Fall 2025, NursesMC Nashville aims to prepare students, particularly those from underrepresented and low-income communities, for successful careers in healthcare before they even graduate high school. Blending rigorous academics, hands-on clinical experience, dual enrollment credits and real-world workforce connections ensure students leave NursesMC Nashville college and career-ready.