Nya Jenkins has become the first graduate of Atrium Health Navicent’s Rise to Success program and is now employed full-time as a surgical technologist at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center.
Jenkins, who completed nurse aide training in high school and passed the state Certified Nurse Aid examination, credited the Rise to Success program for shaping her career path. “The Rise to Success program helped me establish myself, expand my vision and get a job straight out of high school,” Jenkins said. “It also inspired my siblings to go to school and helped me be a better role model for them. Seeing the impact I had on my family inspired me and gave me the push to keep going.”
The Rise to Success initiative provides graduating high school seniors in central Georgia with an opportunity to earn an associate degree at a local community college while gaining practical work experience. The program covers tuition, textbooks, activity fees, and scrubs for up to three years if students remain enrolled.
Participants work part-time in entry-level roles such as guest services, patient services, registration, patient transport, or administrative positions while pursuing their degrees. Each student is paired with a mentor who offers academic support throughout their time in the program.
Jenkins earned her Associate of Science degree in surgical technology from Central Georgia Technical College before starting her full-time position last month. She plans to continue her education after taking a break from school with the goal of becoming a nurse.
Atrium Health Georgia Market President Delvecchio Finley commented on the importance of supporting young people entering health care fields: “As hospitals across the nation continue to face a growing need for health care workers, it’s so very important that Atrium Health Navicent does all it can to support young people in pursuing health care careers right here in central Georgia,” Finley said. “By helping young people like Nya, we’re securing a pipeline of trained health care workers to fill critical job roles for today and the future. Congratulations to Nya on her graduation, and her new role!”
For more information about the Rise to Success program, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Atrium Health Navicent.
