New partnership adds LNA pathway at Lebanon High School

Lebanon High School, Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, and River Valley Community College are proud to announce the launch of LEBMed, an innovative externship program offering a dedicated pathway for students eager to pursue careers in the healthcare industry.

This summer, LEBMed welcomes its inaugural cohort of four LHS students: Mallory Eshbaugh, Claire Kelly, Hannah Martin, and Lea Allen. Over the course of the summer, these students will work toward becoming Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) through an intensive, four-stage training program required for state certification:

• Stage 1: Online Theory (40 Hours) – Students learn core nursing assistant practices through online coursework provided by River Valley Community College.
• Stage 2: Pre-Clinical Skills (24 Hours) – Students transition to hands-on training at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, working directly with a licensed instructor.
• Stage 3: Clinical Rotation (60 Hours) – Students gain real-world experience during supervised clinical shifts at APD or Harvest Hill, including morning routines and at least two weekend shifts.
• Stage 4: Certification & Licensing – Upon completing these hours, students will take their final evaluation and apply to the State of New Hampshire for official LNA licensing.

By blending classroom learning, hands-on practice, and real-world clinical experience, LEBMed empowers students with the vital skills and confidence needed to earn their LNA certification and launch a rewarding career in healthcare.

"LEBMed represents the power of community collaboration," said Bonnie Robinson, LHS Director of Curriculum. "By aligning student interest with local workforce needs, we ensure our graduates are significantly better prepared for the rigors of healthcare studies in college, while simultaneously creating a seamless pipeline from graduation straight into meaningful local employment."

Launched with initial funding from the Byrne Foundation, this program aims to be entirely free for students, with additional fundraising currently underway. LEBMed was co-designed by a collaborative team of partners, including Christian McDonald, Bonnie Robinson, and Amy Allen from SAU88; Paula Seaman, Emily Forstrom, and Abby Olivier from Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital; and Dan Osborn and Bridget Toepfer from River Valley Community College.


While the initial focus is on LNA certification, organizers hope to expand LEBMed in the future to include career pathways in phlebotomy, emergency medicine (EMT), and radiology technology. By bridging the high demand for healthcare workers with the strong interest already present among LHS students, LEBMed is uniquely positioned to address regional workforce shortages. The program provides students with the rigorous foundation needed for college-level healthcare studies, industry-recognized credentials, and a direct head start on their careers—whether they choose to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or pursue higher education.

How to Support LEBMed: Community members interested in learning more about the LEBMed program, tracking its future expansion, or making a donation to help keep the program entirely free for local students are encouraged to contact Bonnie Robinson at brobinson@sau88.net.