Barren County High School and SKYCTC launch ‘Nurse Ready’ pathway

GLASGOW, Ky. — Barren County Schools and Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College are launching the new “Nurse Ready” pathway at Barren County High School.

According to Barren County Schools, this will create expanded opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in nursing and healthcare.

“We are excited to partner with Barren County Schools to create opportunities for students to begin their nursing journey early,” said Dr. Angie Harlan, dean of nursing at SKYCTC. “The Nurse Ready pathway helps students build a strong academic foundation while giving them a clearer pathway into the nursing profession and ultimately into serving patients and communities across Kentucky.”

The program, which begins in the 2026-27 school year, is designed to assist students with beginning their nursing education while still in high school through a combination of biomedical sciences, Allied Health coursework and dual-credit opportunities.

Students will have pathways leading toward registered nurse and LPN-to-RN options.

The Nurse Ready initiative will allow students to earn college credit while gaining hands-on experience, preparing them for admission into SKYCTC’s nursing programs after graduation.

District and college leaders say the partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while helping address workforce needs across the region.

“This program creates incredible opportunities for our students to get a head start on a meaningful and rewarding career path,” said Barren County High School Principal Letitia Hughes. “We are excited to continue expanding opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world careers and strengthen the future healthcare workforce in our communities.”

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