UNF MedNexus and HCA Healthcare partnership offers students a pathway to success

A transformative partnership between UNF MedNexus and HCA Healthcare provides students a pathway to successful careers in healthcare by removing financial and access barriers while addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals. 

The newly launched program helps students balance work and school while pursuing healthcare-related studies. Through HCA, students receive hands-on training, personalized mentoring, tuition reimbursement and other support throughout the program beginning as early as their freshman year. This comprehensive support system helps students prepare for meaningful careers in healthcare. Along the way, they gain exposure to a broad spectrum of healthcare professions, empowering them to align their academic pathways with roles that suit their interests and strengths — an essential advantage in today’s fast-changing healthcare environment.  

“This is a true partnership between UNF MedNexus and HCA that helps provide HCA with a pipeline of workforce talent, while providing hands-on learning opportunities for UNF students and helping sustain the healthcare workforce for our region,” said Dr. Julie Merten, associate dean of MedNexus and professor of public health.  

UNF sophomore Zharia Ireland, a pre-nursing major, is the first student to be enrolled in the Pathways program. The fulltime student is currently working as a Patient Care Technician at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville and says the flexible work hours and hands-on experience is what appealed to her the most.  

“Before starting at HCA, I was working at a department store and trying to keep up with some of my prerequisite classes that were challenging,” said Ireland. “This is my first real medical job and a great opportunity for me to gain hands-on experience in the medical field. Plus, I work PRN [pro re nata] or as needed, which offers me the flexibility to choose my shifts based on my school hours.” 

Reed Hammond, CEO of HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, said the hospital is pleased to partner with UNF MedNexus to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world healthcare experience. 

“Preparing students for the demands of the modern healthcare workforce isn’t always easy with day-to-day challenges and barriers such as working full-time and attending school,” Hammond said. “What we offer is a win-win of employment and tuition reimbursement while students continue to work on their degree. This creates a pathway for UNF students to enhance their education and skills through hands-on training.” 

At Memorial Hospital, Ireland supports nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) by assisting with patient care, including taking vitals, monitoring blood sugar levels and helping with feeding and other personal care tasks.  

“The objective of this program is to provide a pipeline into the healthcare system for those who truly have a heart for healthcare,” said Jean Crisostomo, assistant chief nursing officer at Memorial. “This program helps the hospital as well as the community we serve.”  

Crisostomo explained that the Pathways program allows students to get accustomed to the hospital setting, learn the foundations of customer service and experience patient care so that when they graduate, they’re able to optimize patient care in any role. 

Ireland was assigned a preceptor or mentor who works with her one-on-one at the hospital. She also attended development sessions to learn practical skills in a controlled environment, Crisostomo said. After six months, Ireland will be enrolled in the hospital’s CNA program. 

“All of this has a purpose — to allow hospital vacancies to be filled, provide jobs for the community and bring awareness to the community we serve,” Crisostomo said.  

This approach is what Merten calls the “mailroom” philosophy. 

“The idea of starting in a foundational role of a company, like a mailroom, teaches invaluable lessons that shape extraordinary leaders,” said Merten. “It emphasizes hard work, humility, and hands-on experience. Leaders who rise through the ranks gain empathy for employees, problem-solving skills and deep operational knowledge, making them more effective and respected decision makers.” 

Dr. Erin Richman, associate vice president of student success said the UNF MedNexus/HCA Pathways program is a great example of a mutually beneficial initiative.   

“This program provides students a win because it offers financial support in the form of a salary and tuition assistance, allowing them to earn while they learn and alleviating some of the financial pressures of education,” said Richman. “As the healthcare sector faces a growing demand for skilled workers, particularly in roles that require specialized knowledge and training, this program helps fulfill that need.  

As the first student enrolled in the program, Ireland expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill her passion for healthcare while pursuing her degree.  

“The flexibility of this role allows me to balance both work and academic commitments,” said Ireland. “The staff is supportive and one of the biggest advantages of the Pathways program is that I’m guaranteed a full-time position with HCA after I earn my BSN, eliminating the stress of job hunting during my senior year.”  

Merten echoed Ireland’s sentiments, highlighting that allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings, bridges the gap between theory and practice. 

“Professionally, this experience builds confidence, resilience and a strong work ethic — essential qualities for success in healthcare and beyond,” Merten said. “It also helps students clarify career goals, expand their professional networks, and stand out in competitive job markets. Ultimately, the hospital environment cultivates well-rounded, skilled professionals ready to make meaningful contributions to the field."