March 21, 2025
Contacts:
Kristi Kibler Nicole Hyman Dawn Bryant
(843) 436-7048 (843) 349-7820 (843) 652-1636
kkibler@gcsd.k12.sc.us nicole.hyman@hgtc.edu dbryant@tidelandshealth.org
News for Immediate Release:
Georgetown County high school students can get a jumpstart on a career in health care through a new program offered by Georgetown County School District, Tidelands Health, and Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
Students at the county’s four high schools can now apply to participate in the Tidelands Health Scholars program, which will offer students specialized health care education at HGTC, as well as training in a clinical setting at Tidelands Health.
The program, which will enroll its first cohort of 30 students in the fall, is designed to provide free, advanced education and career opportunities for the county’s youth while preparing a professional workforce to help meet the growing demand for health care workers.
“The Tidelands Health Scholars program is a collective investment in the future of our youth,” said GCSD Superintendent Dr. Bethany A. Giles. “We want promising young students to have a streamlined path to career opportunities right here at home that entice them to stay in Georgetown County, flourish and share their talents by serving our community.”
Students accepted into the Tidelands Health Scholars program will choose a path to earn certification as either a certified medical assistant or electrocardiography technician or to prepare through a pre-program for nursing. Program participants will attend HGTC classes and complete Tidelands Health clinical training while also continuing regular high school classes.
Students who complete the program will earn college credit and be eligible for certification in their chosen field at the same time they graduate from high school, offering a seamless transition from high school into their career. Graduates of the program will also have the opportunity to secure a job at Tidelands Health and have options to apply to further their health care education at no cost.
“The Tidelands Health Scholars program offers a clear path for students to get the education and training they need to have a long, successful health care career,” said Jeremy Stephens, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Tidelands Health. “The program will not only benefit students but also our community for years to come.
“We are grateful for our longtime partners at Georgetown County School District and Horry-Georgetown Technical College who work with us on creative strategies and innovative programs to help prepare students for successful careers in health care.”
Tidelands Health recently partnered with HGTC to help expand the school’s nursing program with the opening of the Tidelands Health HGTC Education Center on the Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital campus in Murrells Inlet.
“This collaborative program reflects our commitment to empowering the next generation of health care professionals,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College. “Through the Tidelands Health Scholars program, students will gain hands-on experience and advanced education, seamlessly blending academic learning with real-world clinical training. HGTC is proud to work alongside Tidelands Health and the Georgetown County School District to create pathways that not only prepare students for meaningful careers but also strengthen the health care workforce in our community.”
{Pictured from left to right are Kristi Kibler, GCSD Executive Director for Communications & Compliance; Dr. Sheila Locklair, HGTC Academic Chair & Professor of Nursing; Dr. Bethany A. Giles, GCSD Superintendent; Jeremy Stephens, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Tidelands Health; Dr. Marthena Grate-Morant, GCSD Interim District Administrator; Caitlyn Green, Manager of Student and Volunteer Programs at Tidelands Health; and Dr. Pamela Vereen, GCSD Director for College & Career Readiness}
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About Georgetown County School District
Georgetown County School District (GCSD) serves approximately 8,400 students across 19 schools in Georgetown County, South Carolina, with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and equity. Through strong partnerships with families, businesses, and community organizations, GCSD prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in their chosen pathway.
About HGTC
HGTC offers college transfer and skilled associate degree programs in more than 70 fields of study, and many with online class options. Nearly all programs feature internships that lead to jobs. Ninety-five percent of students either transfer to earn advanced degrees or start careers in their respective fields of study. Horry-Georgetown Technical College prohibits discrimination against students and employees. Please direct discrimination and accessibility issues to the Office of Student Affairs at (843) 349-5228. For additional information about HGTC, call (843) 347-3186. www.hgtc.edu | Twitter: gohgtc | Facebook: www.facebook.com/gohgtc
About Tidelands Health
Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.