Norton Healthcare Career Track
Career Pathway for MC students enrolled in Jefferson Community and Technical College's Nursing, Radiography, Respiratory Care, Pharmacy Technology, or Medical Laboratory Technician or enrolled in the University of Louisville Nursing program.
- NORTON HEALTHCARE-UPS HEALTHCARE CAREER PATHWAY INFORMATION SESSION
- PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NETWORKING SESSIONS
- HIGH DEMAND CAREER SECTOR
- CONTACT INFORMATION
Norton Healthcare-UPS Healthcare Career Pathway Information Session
We invite our MC students and New/Prospective students to attend one of our information sessions. Please join us during the virtual Information Session listed below. We are looking forward to connecting with you!
- (Virtual) October 2026 DATE/TIME TBD
- (Virtual) April 2027 DATE/TIME TBD
Program Overview
The Norton Healthcare-UPS Healthcare Career Track program offers an opportunity for a tuition-free pathway to a health care career from two of the area’s largest employers and community supporters.
Students participate in the Norton Healthcare-UPS Healthcare Career Track through UPS Metropolitan College. Students work for UPS while taking prerequisite courses at Jefferson Community and Technical College or the University of Louisville. When they reach 12 to 18 months before completion of their degree track or program, students will take their professional courses and be invited to explore the following career pathways:
- Continue working at UPS and apply to become a Norton Scholar.
- Apply for a part-time position at Norton Healthcare while completing your college program
- Apply for a student apprentice position at Norton Healthcare.
While at Norton Healthcare, students will have exposure to a variety of job roles and facilities to help ready them for the workforce after graduation.
Program Benefits Include:
- Tuition-free college education: Students will receive a tuition-free college education, reducing or eliminating their student debt.
- Self-paced education: There is no time limit to complete course work within this program. Students can complete their credits on a timeline that works for their schedule.
- Connection to two leading community employers: Norton Healthcare and UPS share many of the same values and support a positive employee experience. Both provide their employees with competitive benefits, financial planning and career coaching.
- Access to healthcare symposiums and presentations: Your affiliation with Norton Healthcare will give them access to many of the organization’s special presentations, continuing education units (CEUs) and events. Once students are enrolled in the program, they will begin receiving communications from Norton Healthcare about available programming, volunteer events, student resources and more.
Job Shadowing: Job shadowing at Norton Healthcare gives you an opportunity to discover the many roles you can have in health care and explore which one best fits your schedule, interests and qualifications. Shadowing opportunities available include clinical and nonclinical roles.
The following education tracks are offered through the Norton Healthcare-UPS Healthcare Career Tracks program:
JCTC
Diagnostic Imaging: This program prepares students to assist in the identification and diagnosis of patients’ conditions using advanced technical modalities such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), radiology technician (Rad Tech), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammography.
Radiography AAS | Students must complete one of the pathways listed below to complete the AAS requirements.
- Pathway 1- Students must complete 2–4 credits from one of the designated physics options and 1–3 credits in Medical Terminology. They then move into a structured sequence of technical radiography and clinical courses.
- Pathway 2-An additional physics course is required for this option. Students will then complete Medical Terminology along with a comprehensive sequence of radiography courses covering patient care, imaging procedures, clinical practice, equipment, and radiation safety.
- Pathway 3-This option includes a comprehensive set of technical radiography courses. Students learn medical terminology, patient care, imaging procedures, equipment operation, radiation protection, pathology, and ethics while advancing through five levels of clinical practicums.
Laboratory Science: This program prepares students to assist in conducting specific diagnostic tests on patient specimens in the areas of chemistry, hematology, immunology, histology and microbiology to provide critical information for medical diagnosis.
Medical Laboratory Technician - AAS | Students must complete one of the pathways listed below to complete the AAS requirements.
- Pathway 1-This option includes phlebotomy training and foundational laboratory science classes. Students then complete a series of clinical chemistry and microbiology courses along with a 4 credit hour required practicum.
- Pathway 2- This option includes phlebotomy training and foundational studies in clinical microbiology and chemistry. Students then progress through advanced diagnostic courses along with a 5 credit hour required practicum.
Respiratory Therapy: This program prepares students to work in the critical care setting, including our adult and children’s intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units and emergency departments. Respiratory therapists manage a patient’s airway and address ventilator, medication administration, intubation and critical status of acute airway conditions. Respiratory therapists also work in a variety of other areas, such as sleep, education, research and leadership.
Pharmacy Technician: This program prepares you to assist a pharmacist in dispensing medications and assisting patients with questions on prescriptions, drug information and health matters alongside a pharmacist.
Nursing:* This degree program prepares students to provide direct patient care. Specific job responsibilities and daily activities vary based on the needs of the nurse’s health care team and the patient. Registered nurses may specialize in areas such as neonatal, pediatric, geriatric, surgical and emergency medical care, and may pursue positions in teaching, management and administration.
Practical Nursing Diploma | Students must complete the pathway listed below to complete the AAS requirement.
- Pathway 3- This program includes 7–11 credits of general education, including Writing I and an anatomy and physiology requirement. Students then complete 38–42 credits of technical coursework covering nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, mental health, medical‑surgical nursing, leadership, and a clinical practicum.
Nursing -AAS | Students must complete the pathway listed below to complete this AAS requirement.
- Nursing Standard Pathway-Students complete foundational skills, CPR, pharmacology, and four levels of nursing coursework, with options for basic skills or an LPN bridge pathway.
Students may complete one of the following eligible JCTC to UofL Degree Pathways or UofL Bachelor of Science Degree Programs:
2+2 JCTC to UofL Pathway Options
Nursing-Associates Degree in Nursing(ADN)+Associate in Science
UofL Bachelor of Science Degrees:
UofL
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
*The nursing track is for University of Louisville Lower Division Nursing students only.
How to Participate
Step 1: Connect early with the Norton Healthcare Career Team
- As soon as you become an MC participant, MC and UPS want to connect with you to provide coaching and mentoring
- Complete the Norton-UPS Health Care Career Tracks Interest Form to be added to the distribution list
- Attend a Norton Healthcare Career Pathway Information Session to learn more about our program and connect with a Norton Healthcare Career and College Specialist.
Step 2: Enroll each spring semester to confirm active participation in the pathway prior to the deadlines. Norton-UPS Health Care Career Tracks Participant Annual Enrollment Form
- Spring Semester Deadline - January 30th
Step 3: Review and complete the applicable Metropolitan College Norton-UPS Health Care Career Track Checklist below to learn more about the program.
- Review and print the applicable Metropolitan College Norton-UPS Health Care Career Track Pathway Checklist
- JCTC Student Checklist
- UofL Students Checklist
- Monitor your school email for notifications on events, professional development opportunities, etc.
Contact Information
To learn more about this program, contact Kimberly Patterson, MC Student Success Counselor. If you have any questions regarding participation in co-ops, internships, or part-time positions at UPS and the potential impact on your Metro College benefits, please contact Sara Heun at saraheun@ups.com.
Professional Development and Networking Opportunites
Students pursuing the Norton Healthcare-UPS Healthcare Career Pathway have access to valuable resources that support career exploration, professional development, and hands‑on skill building. Metro College provides several tools designed to help you connect with healthcare mentors, strengthen your competencies, and prepare for roles within patient care and health services.
MC Career Guide Online Mentorship Program
The MC Career Guide Online Mentorship Program gives Metro College students a direct connection to professionals in their field of interest. Through this program, you can:
- Receive personalized guidance from industry mentors
- Get one time feedback on your professional documents including your Resume and LinkedIn page
- Develop confidence as you explore future opportunities
This program is especially beneficial for healthcare students seeking insight into healthcare career roles.
Learn more: https://metro-college.com/benefits/career-development/career-guides/students
Career Kickstart Resource Guide
The Career Kickstart Resource Guide is a comprehensive, easy‑to‑use collection of tools designed to help you build career readiness from the ground up. Inside, you’ll find resources on:
- Resume and cover letter development
- Interview preparation
- Career exploration activities
- Networking strategies
- Goal‑setting and skill‑building tips
It’s an excellent starting point for students wanting a structured approach to professional development.
Explore the guide: https://metro-college.com/posts/careerkickstart-resource-guide
LinkedIn Learning
Advance your future in the fast-growing world of healthcare with LinkedIn Learning, your pathway to in‑demand clinical and professional skills. Whether you are preparing for roles in patient care, medical technology, respiratory therapy, or pharmacy technology, LinkedIn Learning offers expert‑led courses to help you build confidence and stay current in the field. Metro College UofL participants receive free access to this powerful learning platform. JCTC participants can also access LinkedIn Learning using a Louisville Free Public Library Card.
Start exploring courses today and take the next step in your healthcare career.
- Developing Your Emotional Intelligence
- Software Project Management Foundations
- Applications of Generative AI in Learning and Development
- Strategic Negotiation
- Nursing Leadership Fundamentals
- Leading Quality in Patient Safety: Assessing and Improving the Safety Culture Introduction
- The Data Science of Healthcare, Medicine, and Public Health Healthcare and data science
You can earn certificates and develop industry‑aligned skills all at no cost.
UofL students can log into LinkedIn Learning using your UofL log-in credentials here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning
Norton Healthcare Opportunities
Job Shadowing Job shadowing provides an opportunity to better understand the many careers and roles you can have within health care.
- Students Placements and Experiences A student rotation is part of a formal education program for health care professionals. The learner rotates through various settings to gain hands-on patient care experience. Student rotations are very structured. They include learning objectives, behavioral expectations and a supervising clinical faculty member
UofL Career Fairs and Employer Engagement Opportunities:
University Career Center hosts:
- The Nursing Career Fair during (Fall & Spring Semester)
- Fall-September 8, 2026 Register Here
- Spring-Dates are announced on Cardinal Careers
- The Healthcare and Human Services Career & Internship Fair during (Fall Semester Only )
- Fall-October 21, 2026 Register Here
- Spring-Dates are announced on Cardinal Careers
Healthcare Organization Opportunities:
Workshops and online courses:
- American Nurses Association
- AARC American Assoication for Respiratory Care
- American Heart Association Professional Education Hub
*JCTC students who have joined ULtra and have their UofL Cardinal Card student ID can attend career fairs at UofL
Recommended Technology Micro-Credentials
| Credential | Description | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Business Foundations for Nurses Professional Certificate by American Nurses Association | Nursing professionals are expected to have both clinical and business skills to succeed in management roles. This learning path teaches the skills needed to excel in healthcare management: business basics, project management, financial literacy, and how to use AI tools to enhance productivity. Tune in, pass the final exam, and earn your certificate. | Discover foundational business principles Plan and execute projects effectively. Analyze financial data for decision-making. |
| Strategic Negotiation | LinkedIn Learning | Learn negotiation skills to help you get what you want while also building better relationships with coworkers, bosses, business partners, and suppliers. In this course, leadership consultant and trainer Mike Figliuolo shares simple yet effective negotiating skills and tools. He covers the four major phases of the negotiating cycle and explains how to assess your situation, gather data, negotiate a deal, and then assess and learn from your experience. He also explains common negotiating pitfalls and what you can do to avoid them. This course includes AI-powered Role Play. Role Play allows you to practice what you’ve learned in interactive simulations of real-world conversations. | Determine the most favorable deal structure. Recognize how to sequence your deals. Identify the most common negotiation pitfalls. |
| Developing your Emotional Intelligence | Developing emotional intelligence can strengthen your workplace relationships and help you navigate change with confidence. Psychologist and author Dr. Gemma Leigh Roberts breaks down what emotional intelligence (EQ) is and why it matters. She guides you in building greater self‑awareness so you can recognize the triggers that may impact your performance. Dr. Roberts also shows you how to align your intentions with the way you’re perceived—helping you create stronger, more collaborative working relationships | Learn the importance of emotional intelligence
Develop social awareness
Understand your personal emotional intelligence |
Learn more about Technology Micro-Credentials.
High Demand Career Sector
Sector Overview:
The Norton Healthcare-UPS Healthcare Career Tracks pathway offers a wide range of high‑demand and high growth opportunities. This field blends patient care, clinical knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and technical expertise. Careers in healthcare can take you from entry‑level support roles to advanced positions such as nurses, medical laboratory technicians, respiratory therapists, diagnostic imaging, and pharmacy technicians.
Healthcare is one of the most versatile and essential sectors, with roles available in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, public health organizations, research institutions, and community health settings. As populations grow and medical needs become more complex, professionals in this field play a vital role in improving patient outcomes, supporting wellness, and advancing modern medical practices.
Why This Sector Matters in Kentucky:
Healthcare is one of Kentucky’s largest and fastest growing industries, offering stable, well‑paying jobs across all regions, including rural communities.
High rates of chronic illness in Kentucky make a strong healthcare workforce essential for improving health outcomes and supporting long‑term wellness.
Provider shortages across many Kentucky communities increase the need for more healthcare professionals, ensuring better access to care for underserved populations.
A strong healthcare sector boosts local economies, supporting hospitals, clinics, long‑term care facilities, and community health programs that anchor and strengthen Kentucky communities
Employers are actively seeking individuals with:
Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Critical‑thinking and problem solving abilities to make informed decisions in fast‑paced clinical environments.
Technical and clinical competencies needed to operate medical equipment, follow procedures, and deliver quality patient care.
Professionalism, reliability, and compassion to support patient well‑being and maintain high standards of care.
Why It’s High Demand:
An aging population and longer life expectancy are increasing the need for medical care, support services, and long‑term care.
High rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer require ongoing treatment and specialized healthcare professionals.
Workforce shortages across many healthcare roles create strong demand for new workers to fill critical gaps in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
Advances in medical technology and expanding healthcare services continue to create new jobs and require more trained professionals to support modern patient care.
Opportunities in Kentucky:
Common roles include:
X-Ray Technician
Computed Tomography (CT)
Radiology Technician
Mammography
Medical Laboratory Technician
LPN Nurse, Registered Nurse
Respiratory Therapist
Pharmacy Technician.
Industry Growth & Outlook:
Healthcare related careers continue to grow rapidly at both the state and national levels. Kentucky employers are increasing investments in:
Expanding healthcare facilities and services to meet rising patient needs across Kentucky.
Increased investment in workforce development to address shortages in nursing and allied health roles.
Growth in advanced medical technologies that require skilled professionals to operate and support them.
Stronger focus on community health and preventive care, creating new roles in clinics, public health, and outreach programs.
This growth fuels a steady need for healthcare professionals who possess current technical skills and certifications.
Salary Expectations in Kentucky:
Experience, specialization, and certifications significantly impact earning potential.
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Typical Range (25th–75th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $55,,000 – $66,000 | $47,000 – $79,000 |
| Lexington | $54,000– $64,000 | $46,000 – $78,000 |
| Bowling Green | $50,000 – $60,000 | $44,000 – $72,000 |
| Northern KY | $56,000 – $66,000 | $47,000 – $80,000 |
Entry-Level Roles: Typically range from $42,000 to $55,000
Mid-Level: Typically range from $53,000 to $65,000
Senior-Level / Leadership Roles: Can range from $60,000 to $80,000+ depending on expertise and experience and role.
Who Can I Contact With Additional Questions?
- Norton Healthcare Workforce Development: Call (502) 446-5835 or email workforcedevelopment@nortonhealthcare.org
- Metropolitan College: Call (502) 213-4520 or email kpatterson0024@kctcs.edu