Beaufort Memorial PATH Program, Education Center Named Among Nation's Best

Beaufort Memorial has earned national recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review for its innovative workforce development and clinical training programs, placing it among the top hospital education and simulation initiatives in the country.

Highlighted in the roundup were 93 leading hospital-based education and simulation programs that utilize advanced technology, immersive training and forward-thinking strategies to improve patient outcomes, strengthen safety protocols and reduce healthcare costs.

Beaufort Memorial was one of only two South Carolina health systems to be included on the list.

PATH Program Builds Health Career Pipeline

The publication recognized Beaufort Memorial for its PATH (People Achieving Their Highest) program, a structured internal pathway designed to help current employees advance their careers while building a pipeline for nursing, clinical and nonclinical roles.

The program graduated its first cohort in fall 2022 and has since seen over 100 graduates.

“This recognition highlights the work happening in this community to prepare and support healthcare professionals,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “We’re proud to be recognized, and even prouder to continue to create opportunities for people in our community to grow their careers while ensuring our patients receive exceptional care.”

In January 2025, Beaufort Memorial partnered with the Beaufort County School District to launch a dual-enrollment option allowing high school seniors to participate in the PATH program tuition-free. The nonprofit health system hired five of the graduates from the first high school cohort immediately after their graduation.

Advanced Simulation Training Enhances Patient Care

The Becker’s editorial team selected the featured programs based on overall health system achievements, awards and recent advances in innovative care delivery and patient care processes.

Beaufort Memorial was the only Lowcountry-based health system included in the list, alongside major academic and regional health systems.

Becker’s also highlighted the Beaufort Memorial education team and the four state-of-the-art simulation labs in the Career Development Center, which opened in Summer 2024 and serves as a satellite location for the University of South Carolina-Beaufort (USCB) nursing program.

“Developing a sustainable pipeline for healthcare professionals is essential to the future of the Lowcountry,” Baxley added. “This honor reflects the dedication of our education team and our commitment to the training that helps our caregivers deliver the safest, highest-quality care possible.”

Learn more about the PATH program and careers at Beaufort Memorial.