Burke County patients could see a stronger local health care workforce in the years ahead after UNC Health Blue Ridge held a signing day in Morganton to welcome four young adults beginning career tracks in radiology and nursing.
UNC Health Blue Ridge recently hosted the event to recognize participants from its OPT In program, a two-month paid summer experience designed to introduce students to health care careers. This summer, nine students completed the OPT In program and were recognized by the state and UNC Health Blue Ridge as pre-apprentices. Four of those students have now signed on to continue training with the system.
Jennah Reynolds and Siashi Xiong plan to pursue radiology programs beginning in 2026. Elizabeth Tiguila Mejia and Yesenia Melisa Mendoza Rodriguez will enter the CNAI program this spring and plan to advance into nursing, according to the health system.
“With 18 students currently in apprenticeship programs, UNC Health Blue Ridge is investing in local talent and building a workforce that understands and loves the community it serves,” said Cindy Cross, supervisor of the OPT In program. “Together, we’re shaping a healthier tomorrow, right here at home.”
UNC Health Blue Ridge is a nonprofit community health care system that provides services from more than 50 locations across a three-county region in western North Carolina.
The system includes a hospital with two locations (Morganton and Valdese); Grace Ridge, a continuing care retirement community; and the Blue Ridge Medical Group. UNC Health Blue Ridge is affiliated with UNC Health, the state-owned integrated health care system based in Chapel Hill.
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