Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College recently recognized six nursing students and two regional healthcare employers during a signing ceremony for its Registered Nursing Apprenticeship Program. The event was held May 8 at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus in Gadsden, AL.
The apprenticeship program allows nursing students to continue attending classes and labs while working two to three days each week with participating healthcare employers. Students gain hands-on clinical experience while earning progressive wages tied to training milestones and skill development.
Dr. Joey Battles, dean of Health Sciences at Gadsden State, thanked the healthcare partners supporting the initiative and highlighted the importance of preparing future healthcare professionals.
“Healthcare professionals play a vital role in the lives of patients and families every day, and these students are beginning careers that will allow them to make a meaningful difference in their communities,” Battles said.
According to Dr. Cynthia Mullinax, director of the Nursing Program at Gadsden State, the apprenticeship program is designed to provide competency-based training that combines classroom instruction with practical experience in healthcare settings.
Participants in the program complete clinical requirements while developing both fundamental and advanced nursing skills. Following completion of the apprenticeship and successful passage of the National Council Licensure Examination, students may continue employment with their participating healthcare employers.
Program officials said the apprenticeships also help address Alabama’s growing nursing shortage. State projections estimate Alabama could face a shortage of approximately 14,000 nurses by 2027, placing it among the states with the highest projected nursing shortages nationwide.
Hannah Tucker, case manager for the Health Sciences Division, said the program benefits both students and employers by strengthening workforce development efforts while providing students with real-world experience alongside healthcare professionals.
Students recruited and employed through Gadsden Regional Medical Center include Macy Cash, Alexandra Hodges, Jamaya Pierce and Aravia Taylor.
Rehab Select hired Diserae Hancock and Timberli Turner as part of the apprenticeship initiative.
Additional information about the nursing program is available through Gadsden State Community College.
