The HOPE Program is a grant-funded initiative from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to expand healthcare career pathways for K–12 students in rural Northwest Tennessee by addressing healthcare workforce shortages, increasing enrollment in high school CTE programs, and creating pathways for easier transition from high school to partnered institutions like UTM and TCAT.
The program is led by the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) in partnership with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) servicing 5 counties in Northwest Tennessee: Decatur, Fayette, Lauderdale, McNairy, and Tipton County.
Creating Pathways to Nursing Careers with the HOPE Grant
The HOPE Program provides 9th-12th grade students with mentorship, career exploration, and hands-on-training to help them choose a healthcare career path aligned with their goals. Dual Enrollment pathways are available to students entering 11th or 12th grade.
UT Martin Dual Enrollment Pathway
Students that are eligible for the Dual Enrollment program can take up to 10 free courses (30 credit hours) in general education and healthcare. High school graduates that complete the full dual enrollment pathway can be admitted into the nursing program their freshman year.
TCAT Dual Enrollment Pathway
TCAT offers up to 432 clock hours to high schoolers, focusing on pre-practical nursing (PPN) or other allied health (CNA, Phlebotomy Tech, PCT/MA) programs of study with the option to transfer seamlessly to the UTM BSN program.
View our booklet that guides high school students from exploring career options to starting and completing their education.
Expanding Nursing Education at UT Martin Regional Centers in Selmer and Ripley
UT Martin plans to begin offering its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the UTM Ripley Center in Fall 2028, with the Selmer location planned for a later date. This expansion allows students to complete their nursing education closer to home while gaining local work-based learning opportunities, helping reduce time and travel barriers to training.
UTM’s Regional Centers will offer high-quality hybrid learning experiences, along with advanced training equipment such as autoclaves, virtual reality headsets, and high-fidelity nursing simulators, allowing students to train in their rural communities without leaving the region.
Contact
If interested, complete our interest inquiry or contact us today!
Melanie Parham | HOPE Program Director
(731) 881-7163 | mparha10@utm.edu
Jason Holloway | K-12 Partnership Coor
(731) 881- 6006 | jhollow7@utm.edu