Both rated among nation’s best
Staff reports
The Beaufort Memorial education and simulation program ranks among the best in the nation, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.
Becker’s, the leading healthcare publication for hospital business news and analysis, recently highlighted 93 leading hospital education and simulation programs around the nation that use advanced technology and immersive, innovative training to improve overall patient outcomes, enhance safety measures and reduce healthcare costs.
Only two South Carolina health systems landed on the list.
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.
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 also 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.”
