New health science program empowers Lowcountry high school students to lean into careers in health care
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Aug., 2025)– The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston County School District and Trident Technical College (TTC) celebrated the launch of the MUSC Health Science Program at Early College High School.
The event marked the beginning of a transformative educational journey for the inaugural class of 25 students, selected from a competitive pool of nearly 200 applicants. This four-year program is designed to prepare high school students for careers in health care through a unique blend of academic rigor, real-world experience and professional mentorship.
“In South Carolina, if you have a heart for health care, you should be given the opportunity to learn, live and care for your community. That opportunity in Charleston, South Carolina, starts right here,” said MUSC President David J. Cole, M.D., FACS. “Students will have direct access to mentorship programs and cutting-edge training provided by MUSC professionals. My hope is that students will have the opportunity to find their passion and pursue it while gaining firsthand experience.”
Program highlights:
- Career exploration in nursing, pharmacy, behavioral health, physical therapy, emergency medicine and diagnostic medicine.
- Hands-on learning through internships, job shadowing and clinical studies at MUSC.
- Dual enrollment courses through TTC, with the opportunity to earn 60-65 college credits.
- Mentorship from MUSC professionals and access to cutting-edge medical technology.
The program’s structure builds progressively.
- Freshman year: CPR and OSHA certifications, career exploration.
- Sophomore year: HIPAA and basic life support (BLS) certifications, dual enrollment begins.
- Junior year: Job shadowing and internships.
- Senior year: Clinical rotations tailored to students’ chosen career paths.
“Expanding access to high-quality career pathways is one of the most important ways we can advance equity and opportunity for our students,” said Anita W. Huggins, M. Ed., superintendent of Charleston County School District. “This is more than a program – it’s an investment in the next generation of health care leaders, changemakers and innovators right here in Charleston.”
Vicky Wood, Ph.D., president of Trident Technical College, agrees. “This collaboration showcases what can be achieved when educational leaders unite around a shared purpose.” By aligning Trident Tech’s curriculum with real-world health care experiences and mentorship, we are preparing the next generation of compassionate, skilled health care professionals who will serve our communities with excellence,” she said.
The MUSC Health Science Program at Early College High School represents a bold step forward in workforce development and educational equity. By investing in students during their formative years and providing them with the tools, experience and mentorship they need for success, together CCSD, MUSC and Trident Tech are shaping a healthier and more resilient future for South Carolina.
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About MUSC
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,300 students in six colleges and trains more than 1,060 residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal, National Institutes of Health and other research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit MUSC.edu.
As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2025, for the 11th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit MUSCHealth.org.
MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $8.2 billion. The nearly 34,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research and patient care.
About the Charleston County School District
Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally accredited school district committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in South Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves approximately 51,000 students in 90 schools and specialized programs.
CCSD offers a diverse portfolio of educational options and specialized programs delivered to the students of CCSD through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools and programs. Rich educational opportunities for students include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; military; dual credit; and many more.
About Trident Technical College
Trident Technical College is a public, two-year, multicampus community college that provides quality education and promotes economic development in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties in coastal South Carolina. An open-door institution of higher education, Trident Technical College serves traditional and nontraditional curriculum students who have a wide variety of educational goals, from personal enrichment to career development to university transfer. The college further promotes economic development through noncredit courses; customized education and training for business, industry and government; and a variety of employment training programs. Learn more at www.tridenttech.edu. Established in 1975, the Trident Technical College Foundation advocates and raises funds for the college to support the region’s economy.