Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, OneSpartanburg, Inc. and the Spartanburg Academic Movement have partnered to establish a new cohort-based career pipeline for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), addressing a critical workforce need in Spartanburg County.

The initiative, set to launch its first cohort in June, expands access to CNA training while creating a clear pathway into healthcare careers. The first cohort will feature 32 participants, with a mix of current Spartanburg Regional employees and interested Spartanburg County residents.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Spartanburg’s workforce development while supporting our community’s health care needs,” said Karla Lamb, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer for Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care. “CNAs play a critical role in caring for our patients, and by investing in their training, we strengthen the care experience for every person we serve.”

CNAs play a pivotal role in patient care, supporting nurses and medical teams while ensuring patients receive the day-to-day assistance they need.

This cohort program is a unique earn-while-you-learn opportunity where participants attend school while working hands-on with patients, receive tuition assistance, benefit from guaranteed work placement, and grow within Spartanburg Regional’s supportive organization.

“As demand for specialized roles increases across industries in Spartanburg County, we want to be a resource, working with employers on innovative ways to bring more people into those in-demand roles,” said OneSpartanburg, Inc. Chief Talent Officer Ron Garner.

The partnership with Spartanburg Regional is fueled by the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan 2.0, a countywide economic and community development strategy, and Movement 2030, a Spartanburg Academic Movement-led plan to dramatically advance economic mobility and educational attainment across Spartanburg County.

Re:Degree, launched in April 2024 under the Vision Plan 2.0, is an initiative designed to help the more-than 50,000 Spartanburg County residents with some college experience but no degree. The initiative also works to upskill Spartanburg County workers, providing them with pathways to high-value professional certifications.

“Helping the people of Spartanburg County advance in their career and their economic possibilities is the crucial foundation this partnership and so much of the collaborative work going on in our community now is built on,” said Russell Booker, CEO of the Spartanburg Academic Movement. “By working together, we can remove barriers to training and connect more people with high-quality career opportunities.”

The partnership is further supported through a WorkAdvance grant from the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN), a nationally recognized, evidence-based workforce development model that connects job seekers to high-demand roles through structured career pathways. It includes career readiness training, technical skills development, job placement and ongoing coaching to ensure retention and advancement. 

Selected health systems receive funding, technical assistance and support to build sustainable workforce strategies in partnership with local organizations.

To apply for a CNA position, visit careers.spartanburgregional.com or attend a special hiring event at Beaumont on April 14 between 10 A.M. – 4 A.M., at 700 N. Pine St.

About OneSpartanburg, Inc.

Our mission is to build a vibrant Spartanburg through business, economic, talent, and tourism development. Whether you’re looking for business resources, economic expertise, community leadership or tourism information, OneSpartanburg, Inc. is where you’ll find it.

About Spartanburg Academic Movement

Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) is a nonprofit organization and community movement adopted in 2013 as an all-in partnership of education, business, government, foundation, community, and faith leaders across Spartanburg County, all working together in pursuit of high levels of academic success for all children. SAM uses data and research to identify achievement gaps, work with community partners to reduce and remove those gaps, and ultimately improve economic mobility for all, anchored in academic achievement. SAM serves as the backbone convener for Movement 20t0, a sweeping plan to advance educational achievement and life success in Spartanburg County.

About Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is an integrated healthcare delivery system that provides care from one’s birth through the senior years. We’ve been a partner with the community for over 100 years and have earned a reputation for technological excellence.