Ivey approves creation of Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences
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Gov. Kay Ivey gave final approval for the creation of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences on Thursday. The initial bill, HB163, passed unanimously in the House in April, and it passed the Senate by of vote of 28 to 3 earlier Thursday.
The purpose of the school is to grant educational opportunities to high school students in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine and healthcare sciences fields. It's part of an effort to "address the chronic healthcare workforce shortage" in the state, the legislation states.
“The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is coming to Demopolis!" Ivey said. "Students from all over Alabama will soon benefit from an education at this specialty high school and then go on to bolster our healthcare workforce. The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is yet another way our state is leading the nation in innovative education solutions."
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Senate minority leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said that the school will be "a shining beacon that will shine soon the state of Alabama," saying he expects at least 200 students enrolled starting in the fall of 2026.
The school is set to begin operations in 2026. Students will be able to earn certifications and diplomas in various medical fields in addition to a high school diploma.
This will be the Alabama's fourth specialty school, after the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, and the Alabama School of Liberal Arts.
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“I commend Sen. Bobby Singleton, Rep. Cynthia Almond, Sen. Gerald Allen, Rep. A.J. McCampbell, Pro Tem Greg Reed, Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and members of the Legislature who supported this important project," Ivey said. "I also greatly appreciate the community support from Demopolis and for the support of healthcare systems and hospitals across our state. Investing in the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is an investment in education, our healthcare workforce and the future of Alabama."
Victor Hagan is the Alabama Election Reporting Fellow for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at vhagan@gannett.com or on X @TheVictorHagan. To support his work, subscribe to the Advertiser.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Ivey approves creation of Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences
