ECU Health is expanding its Health Sciences Academy to four additional locations across eastern North Carolina in the 2025-2026 school year.
The expansion will extend the program’s impact to the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, Beaufort County Schools, Edenton-Chowan County Schools and Hertford County Schools.
The program currently operates in partnership with Pitt County Schools and Duplin County Schools.
“The Health Sciences Academy is a critical part of our mission to develop the next generation of health care professionals and address workforce shortages in eastern North Carolina,” said Lisa Lassiter, director of workforce development, ECU Health. “By expanding this program into more communities, we are ensuring that students across our region have access to the tools, mentorship and real-world experiences they need to pursue meaningful careers in health care.”
For over two decades, the HSA has provided high school students with a structured pathway into health care careers, offering specialized coursework, hands-on experiences and professional mentorship.
With a growing demand for health care professionals, particularly in rural communities, ECU Health’s expansion of the HSA model aims to equip more students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the workforce.
"At ECU Health, we take pride in being a leader in advancing health care excellence and positively shaping the future of eastern North Carolina," said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. "Through initiatives like the Health Sciences Academy, we are developing and strengthening a pipeline of future health care professionals while building the model for sustainable rural health care.”
Said Floyd: “By investing in opportunities for our youth to engage in health care topics and equipping them with the tools and knowledge to succeed, we are continuing to grow a local health care workforce from eastern North Carolina, for eastern North Carolina.”
Since its inception in 2000, the Health Sciences Academy has enrolled approximately 1,000 students annually, providing exposure to a wide range of health care careers beyond just doctors and nurses.
Students complete a minimum of six health sciences courses and gain real-world experience through job shadowing, internships, career exploration and volunteer opportunities at ECU Health and other partner organizations.
The program also focuses on developing essential skills such as leadership, critical thinking, accountability and communication. Students receive training in professional etiquette, resume building and college entrance exam preparation, making them well-prepared for their next steps.
For parents and students interested in more information about the Health Sciences Academy, please contact: Ginger Duncan at
