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From Art to Medicine: How BART Led to a Career in Nursing

April 25, 2025 | Courtney Munson, BART Alum

I applied to Berkshire Arts & Technology Charter Public School (BART) because I loved the arts, and I knew the school would allow me to explore that passion and part of myself while simultaneously preparing me for college.

Today, I work as a Labor and Delivery nurse – and looking back, my time at BART was actually a slow transition away from a focus on art. I pursued student-led art classes and explored that part of myself, even through senior year, but BART also opened me up to new experiences and career options. I was a pretty shy girl when I arrived in 7th grade; however, the tremendous support I received from the amazing teachers and faculty allowed me to learn to open up and develop closer relationships with those I’m working with. To this day, I’m in regular touch with Director of Advancement Leah Thomson. I became involved in different groups, visited colleges, and supported our community through blood drives and other events. I even participated in talent shows. I truly found myself.


After graduating from BART, I attended Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) for business with a focus on events. I actually registered for science classes so I could get them out of the way, but I ended up falling in love with the subject and shifting my studies to a medical focus. I ultimately graduated from Castleton University’s accelerated bachelor program and accepted a nursing position in labor and delivery.

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I work in a diverse unit – we cover triage, labor and delivery, and pediatrics, but labor and delivery is my favorite. Getting to hold babies is truly the best thing ever! It’s so meaningful to create a connection with mom; I’m that support person – a trusted point of comfort. I love being there to witness moms holding their babies for the first time and partners becoming emotional and joyful. 

I’m deeply grateful that BART broadened my experiences and gave me the opportunities that ultimately led me to pursue a career I didn’t expect, but truly love.