Health Tech Academy Partners with Baptist Health System to Strengthen South Florida's Healthcare Workforce Pipeline

Students gain access to clinical training across 11 hospitals, preparing the next generation of professionals for South Florida's growing care needs.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Health Tech Academy (HTA) has announced a strategic partnership with Baptist Health System, one of South Florida's leading healthcare networks. This collaboration will connect students enrolled in HTA's online allied healthcare certification programs with hands-on clinical experience across Baptist Health's 11 hospitals throughout the region, creating a direct pathway from education to practice.

Why it matters

This partnership addresses a critical need in South Florida, where demand for skilled healthcare workers continues to grow. By offering students more than traditional classroom instruction, the collaboration strengthens the healthcare workforce by providing mentorship opportunities with seasoned medical professionals and a clearer understanding of the skills required to deliver quality patient care.

The details

Through this partnership, students pursuing careers in allied health will have the opportunity to go from online, self-paced learning into clinical environments where they can apply their skills under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals. For Baptist Health System, the partnership provides access to a pool of well-trained candidates who are already familiar with the organization's standards and culture.

  • Health Tech Academy and Baptist Health System announced the partnership on February 9, 2026.

The players

Health Tech Academy

A provider of comprehensive online training in high-demand allied healthcare fields, including Surgical Technology, Medical Assisting, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, and Phlebotomy.

Baptist Health System

One of South Florida's leading healthcare networks, with 11 hospitals throughout the region.

Shamsah Noorani

CEO of Health Tech Academy.

Nelson Nunez

Director of Surgical Services at Baptist Health System.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership creates a vital bridge between education and employment, ensuring that students gain the practical experience and professional connections needed to succeed in their careers.”

— Shamsah Noorani, CEO of Health Tech Academy

“By opening our doors to Health Tech Academy students, we're able to identify talented individuals early, shape their development, and welcome them into careers where they can make an immediate impact on patient care.”

— Nelson Nunez, Director of Surgical Services, Baptist Health System

What’s next

The partnership between Health Tech Academy and Baptist Health System is expected to begin in the fall of 2026, with the first cohort of students gaining clinical experience across Baptist Health's 11 hospitals.

The takeaway

This partnership between a leading healthcare education provider and a major regional healthcare system demonstrates the importance of creating strong connections between education and employment, ensuring that students are well-prepared to enter the workforce and meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in South Florida.