GADSDEN– Six Gadsden State Community College nursing students have signed employment contracts with three area health care employers through the college’s Registered Nursing Apprenticeship Program.

The students formalized the agreements during an Aug. 20 ceremony at the Beck Conference Center on the college’s Wallace Drive Campus. In addition, the event highlighted partnerships connecting classroom instruction with paid, hands-on experience in area medical facilities.

Dr. Joey Battles, dean of Health Sciences, said the signings reflect the students’ preparation and the strength of those partnerships.

“These students have worked hard to prepare for careers in nursing,” Battles said.

Students Join Three Area Employers

Marshall Medical Centers hired Trinitee Andrews, Brittany Aul, and Kylee Gilbert. Meanwhile, Gadsden Regional Medical Center hired Alyssa Baker and Nicole Wren.

Riverview Regional Medical Center hired Madilyn Layfield. Together, the agreements place all six students with employers serving area communities.

Program Combines Classes With Paid Clinical Work

During the apprenticeship, students continue attending classes and labs while working two or three days each week with a registered employer. Moreover, the work allows them to strengthen their clinical skills under real-world conditions.

As apprentices complete required training milestones, they earn progressively higher wages that reflect their growing knowledge and abilities. After completing the apprenticeship and passing the National Council Licensure Examination, participants may continue working for their employers.

The latest agreements continue a program that Gadsden State launched in June 2022. Previously, WEIS Radio reported on the college’s first registered nursing apprenticeship signing event.

Hannah Tucker, case manager for the Health Sciences Division, called registered apprenticeships a meaningful bridge between education and employment.

“Students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom in real-world health care settings,” Tucker said.

Therefore, participants can gain experience, professional guidance, and confidence before beginning their nursing careers. Likewise, employers can invest in future nurses while strengthening their workforce to meet growing community needs.

Finally, Tucker congratulated Andrews, Aul, Gilbert, Baker, Wren, and Layfield as they begin the next stage of their training.

More information about Gadsden State’s nursing programs is available through the college’s website.

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