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02/02/23

Gadsden State to host signing event featuring four new employers

Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College will host a signing event for 12 students joining the apprenticeship program for registered nurses. They will sign with three new registered employers during an event at 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Beck Field House on the Wallace Drive Campus. 

Each student will sign employment contracts with one of four new area employers participating in the innovative program: RMC-Anniston, RMC-Stringfellow, Gadsden Regional Medical Center and Barfield Healthcare.

The RN Apprenticeship Program became possible after the Alabama Legislature approved amendments to the Nurse Practice Act in 2022. The program allows healthcare employers to enter into an apprenticeship agreement with a community college. Students who apply and are accepted as student nurse apprentices serve as employees of the healthcare facility and work alongside experienced nurses.

Dr. Joey Battles, interim dean of Gadsden State’s health science programs, and Dr. Cynthia Mullinax, nursing program director, will provide more details about the program at the signing event.

This will be the second cohort of apprentices to sign since Gadsden State became the first community college in the state to implement the program in June. There were 15 students who signed contracts with Riverview Regional Medical Center in Gadsden and Rehab Select, nursing homes located in Albertville and Talladega.

A press release and photos will be sent following the event. Questions? Contact Jackie Brehm Edmondson, director of Public Relations and Marketing, at 256-549-8224.