AdventHealth and Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) held an orientation for students in the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program on August 15. This event is part of a collaboration aimed at increasing the number of nurses in northwest Georgia. Representatives from AdventHealth and GNTC staff welcomed students to GNTC’s Walker County Campus.

Joanna Abernathy, executive director at AdventHealth, encouraged students to face their fears during nursing school, stating that assistance would be available. This partnership, formed on July 28, aims to boost ASN enrollment at GNTC and enhance nursing education in the area. It includes improved clinical placement opportunities and supports workforce development through shared educational initiatives.

GNTC has enrolled 52 students in this year’s ASN class. AdventHealth pledged $829,750 over five years to increase enrollment in the ASN program to 85 students by the 2026 academic year. The funding will allow GNTC to buy new technology and hire more faculty.

GNTC’s ASN program equips students with the skills to become self-directed, critical-thinking nurses. The 65-hour curriculum spans four semesters, combining classroom learning, laboratories, and clinical experiences. Graduates can take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and, upon passing, will be eligible for various nursing roles across different states.