AdventHealth and Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) have signed an agreement designed to boost enrollment in GNTC’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, thereby helping to expand and continue nursing education services in northwest Georgia.
The collaboration is designed to strengthen the connection between academic preparation and clinical practice by expanding clinical placement opportunities, supporting workforce development and fostering shared initiatives in nursing education, evidence-based practice and quality care.
“GNTC’s mission has always centered on meeting the workforce needs of our community,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “This partnership with AdventHealth will not only expand access to nursing education, but will also help ensure our healthcare providers have the trained professionals they need to deliver high-quality care
AdventHealth commits $829,750 to be disbursed over five years to increase total enrollment in GNTC’s ASN program to 85 students for Academic Year 2026. The funding, which will be administered by the GNTC Foundation, will enable GNTC to purchase additional technology and hire additional faculty.
“This innovative partnership is a timely and strategic response to the growing demand for registered nurses,” Dr. Popham said. “Together, we are preparing students for in-demand careers while strengthening the future of healthcare in our region.”
On Monday, July 28, AdventHealth and GNTC held a Partnership Signing Ceremony to celebrate the agreement, which went into effect March 1, 2025. The ceremony was held in the Conference Center in Building H on GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome.
“Nurses are the heartbeat of health care, and as we look toward the future, it is important that we do everything we can to fortify a pipeline of nurses to who are ready to provide exceptional care at the bedside,” said Isaac Sendros, president and CEO of AdventHealth Georgia and AdventHealth Redmond. “When it comes to maximizing impact across northwest Georgia, partnerships are where we work best, and we are extremely excited to partner with GNTC on this important endeavor.”
GNTC’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program prepares students to apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of a self-directed, critically thinking, beginning nurse generalist. The 65-hour occupational curriculum is designed to be completed in four consecutive semesters through combined classroom, laboratory and on-site clinical experience.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Upon successful completion of the exam and receipt of an RN license by the Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON), graduates may obtain employment in a variety of settings across multiple states.
All graduates of GNTC’s Associate Degree Nursing program recently passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This year marks the third consecutive year in which GNTC graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on their first attempt. The NCLEX-RN is a standardized test used nationwide as a way for states to verify nursing knowledge and gauge competency to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Representatives from AdventHealth—along with GNTC Nursing faculty and staff from the Accessibilities Services, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Student Success offices—will offer an ASN orientation on Friday, Aug. 15, at GNTC’s Walker County Campus in Rock Spring.
About AdventHealth
AdventHealth is a connected network of care that helps people feel whole–body, mind and spirit. More than 100,000 team members across a national footprint provide whole-person care to nearly nine million people annually through more than 2,000 care sites that include hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, hospice centers, the AdventHealth app and more. Our wholistic approach to improving the health and prosperity of our communities is inspired by our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ. For the latest information visit AdventHealth.
About GNTC
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 13,775 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start.
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