First Graduate of Atrium Health Navicent’s Rise to Success Program Begins Career as Surgical Technologist
MACON, Ga. – What began as a high school interest in health care has turned into a career for Nya Jenkins, the first graduate of Atrium Health Navicent’s Rise to Success program.
Jenkins, who received nurse aide training in high school and passed the state Certified Nurse Aid exam, joined Rise to Success in 2022. Just two years later, she has earned an Associate of Science degree in surgical technology from Central Georgia Technical College and now works full time at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center.
“The Rise to Success program helped me establish myself, expand my vision and get a job straight out of high school,” Jenkins said. “It also inspired my siblings to go to school and helped me be a better role model for them. Seeing the impact I had on my family inspired me and gave me the push to keep going.”
The Rise to Success program gives graduating high school seniors in central Georgia the chance to earn an associate degree in a health care field while working part-time in hospital positions such as patient services, transport, registration, or administrative support. Atrium Health Navicent covers tuition, textbooks, activity fees, and scrubs for up to three years. Students are also paired with mentors to help guide them through their academic and career journeys.
After a short break from school, Jenkins hopes to continue her studies to become a nurse.
“As hospitals across the nation continue to face a growing need for health care workers, it’s so very important that Atrium Health Navicent does all it can to support young people in pursuing health care careers right here in central Georgia,” said Atrium Health Georgia Market President Delvecchio Finley. “By helping young people like Nya, we’re securing a pipeline of trained health care workers to fill critical job roles for today and the future. Congratulations to Nya on her graduation, and her new role!”
To learn more about the Rise to Success program, email careerdevelopment@atriumhealth.org.
