As part of a new collaboration this fall among Hill College, the Burleson school district and UNT Health Fort Worth, students at Burleson and Centennial high schools interested in a future in health care and biomedical science can begin their college careers through a new initiative.
“The Accelerated Biomedical Careers Initiative provides a tremendous opportunity for students to jump-start their journey to becoming medical professionals while still in high school. We are very lucky to be able to partner with Burleson ISD and UNT Health on this innovative program that will benefit students,” said Dr. Thomas Mills, president of Hill College. The ABC Initiative is an expanded dual-credit program that provides high school students, including incoming ninth graders, the opportunity to jump-start their careers. Through this partnership, students who qualify can begin earning college credit in high school, building toward their bachelor’s degree, and get an early start on their future in the medical profession by earning an Associate of Science degree by the time they graduate from high school. After completion of the program, students who meet the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program’s admissions criteria will receive guaranteed admission to UNT Health’s fully online degree program.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Hill College and UNT Fort Worth. This collaboration unlocks an incredible opportunity for our students, expanding our academic offerings and personalizing their learning experience. By giving BISD graduates a head start, we are shortening their time to degree completion and empowering them to pursue advanced, postbachelor’s opportunities faster than ever. I look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements alongside these esteemed educational partners as we work together to champion their futures,” said Dr. Lindsey Byrd, Burleson ISD chief of secondary education.
Courses will be offered on the respective high school campuses, giving students an accessible, affordable start to their future in higher education. The flexible program and course options will prepare students for advanced study in fields such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy and other professional health care programs.
“I am so proud of the partnership and work that Burleson ISD, Hill College and UNT Health have done to provide students with this very important program that gives them an opportunity to chart a path from high school to a professional medical career,” said Irene Benero, vice president of student learning and success and chief academic officer. “It is exciting to see our work progress as the first class of ABC students prepare to begin their journey in fall 2026. We are deeply grateful to our partners at Burleson ISD and Hill College for their shared vision and collaboration in removing barriers and creating a pathway for students to accelerate their education while remaining supported within their home community,” said Dr. Marcel Satsky Kerr, associate dean for undergraduate education and professor of pharmacology and neuroscience in UNT Health’s College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences.
In 2023, Kerr, Mills and BISD Superintendent Dr. Bret Jimerson began conversations to develop a pathway that would allow students to accelerate their education by providing access to college-level coursework while in high school and allowing them to enter the health care workforce more quickly. This March, after years of strategic planning, the BISD Board of Trustees approved the ABC Initiative.
“The faculty, staff and administration at BISD are to be commended for their forward-thinking in support of their students, without which this innovative program would not be possible,” Mills said.
For more information about the ABC Initiative, visit www.hillcollege.edu/dualcreditabc and www.hillcollege.edu/corecomplete.
About Hill College
Hill College, founded in 1923, is a comprehensive community college with three locations in Hillsboro, Cleburne, and Burleson, Texas, and a significant online presence. The college offers a diverse array of academic programs, including associate degrees, technical certifications, and job training. Hill College is committed to being a beacon of excellence in teaching, learning, and innovation. By creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, the college prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world. With a focus on accessible education, student-centered services, and community engagement, Hill College plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational and economic vitality of the region.
About Burleson ISD
Burleson Independent School District is a public school system in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, serving more than 12,600 students across 18 schools. Caring BISD educators and staff challenge and support students to help them graduate ready to tackle college and careers.
About UNT Health UNT Health Fort Worth is located in the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District. UNT Health trains the health care providers, public health workforce and scientists of the future in an interprofessional ecosystem. Through its six colleges—Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, College of Public Health, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy and College of Nursing—students learn to work in teams and develop an innovative mindset that prepares them for a rapidly changing health landscape. UNT Health Clinical Practice Group, the clinical enterprise of UNT Health, provides patient-centered care to people across Tarrant County. UNT Health’s research enterprise provides a foundation to expand the frontiers of scientific discovery to improve health and well-being.
