AdventHealth and Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) held an orientation for students enrolled in the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program on Friday, Aug. 15, as part of a new collaboration to increase the number of nurses in the northwest Georgia region.
Representatives from AdventHealth—along with GNTC Nursing faculty and staff from the Accessibility Services, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Student Success offices—hosted the ASN orientation at GNTC’s Walker County Campus in Rock Spring.
“There are going to be a lot of days, especially in nursing school, when you are doing something for the first time or are being asked to do something for the first time. You don’t feel ready and are scared to death,” said Joanna Abernathy, executive director of Med/Surg and PCU at AdventHealth. “Do it with whatever feeling you are feeling. We are here to help you.”
The partnership agreement, signed July 28, is designed to boost enrollment in GNTC’s ASN program, thereby helping to expand and continue nursing education services in northwest Georgia. The collaboration is expected 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.
“We are excited and grateful to partner with AdventHealth to support the success of our students throughout their nursing school journey and into their future careers as nurses,” said Heather Akers, instructor of Associate Degree Nursing at GNTC. “This partnership also provides support for the GNTC faculty in the program.”
This year’s class enrollment is 52 students, Akers said.
AdventHealth has committed $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.
GNTC’s 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 of the program 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.
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.
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. For more information about GNTC, visit us at www.GNTC.edu.
