Linton Middle School Partnership with Minority Pre-Nursing Institute to Inspire Future Healthcare Leaders

This initiative offers foundational knowledge and hands-on experiences to support students' success in nursing education. 

The program, founded by Penn Hills graduate Tamara Moon, MSN, RN, aims to equip students with essential skills and inspire them to pursue healthcare careers. Ms. Moon’s journey to nursing was anything but linear. After working in several career roles ranging from a bank manager to radio sales, Mr. Phillips (A 4th-grade teacher at Shenandoah Elementary School) ignited her passion for science, which ultimately led her to nursing. “It was my fifth career,” Ms. Moon shared. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding."

MPI's vision is to reflect community diversity and encourage students to view nursing as a career for everyone, including men. "We want healthcare fields to mirror our community. Patient outcomes improve when the healthcare field looks like the community," Ms. Moon explained. 

This year, the MPI program has expanded from its initial pilot at Manchester Academic Charter School to a year-long program at Linton Middle School which began on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The program is at full capacity with 25 8th-grade students enrolled and runs every Tuesday from 1 - 3 p.m. on-site at Linton Middle School. 

The program kicked off with students receiving essential supplies they will use throughout the year and learning the basics of vital signs. Throughout the program, students will learn about body systems, common diseases, clinical skills, and the nursing process. Students will also gain hands-on experience with drawing blood, administering medication, assessing body systems, and answering NCLEX questions. 

The program will conclude with a pinning ceremony on May 13, 2025. Offered free of charge, it is available to Penn Hills School District students this year. Ms. Moon hopes to expand the program to other non-competing schools and integrate it into the high school curriculum in the future. 

The Penn Hills School District is enthusiastic about this partnership and looks forward to its positive impact on the 25 students. The innovative program continues Penn Hills' commitment to exceptional educational opportunities and inspiring future healthcare leaders.