Regional Collaboration Enhances Healthcare Workforce in Georgia

A significant partnership has been formed to bolster the healthcare workforce in northwest Georgia. On March 15, 2024, Dalton State College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), Murray County Schools, AdventHealth, and Hamilton Medical Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at expanding educational and career opportunities for students pursuing careers in nursing and other high-demand healthcare professions.

This collaboration strives to create a cohesive framework that prepares and connects graduates with employment opportunities within the region’s healthcare systems. The initiative follows the Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit and has been championed by Barry Gentry, president of the Murray County Chamber of Commerce. Gentry emphasized the urgency of addressing the nursing shortage, stating, “By creating an intentional, aligned pipeline of talent, the partnership aims to address current and future shortages while providing students with high-quality education and stable, well-paying career opportunities.”

Under the terms of the MOU, Dalton State College, GNTC, and Murray County Schools will align their educational programs to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and credentials for in-demand healthcare roles. AdventHealth and Hamilton Medical Center have committed to offering guaranteed job interviews for qualified graduates who complete healthcare pathways at these educational institutions.

Tim Wright, superintendent of Murray County Schools, noted the importance of this partnership, saying, “This partnership opens doors and gives our students a clear pathway into one of the region’s most essential workforce sectors. It’s a win for students, families, and the entire community.”

As Georgia experiences population growth, the demand for a skilled healthcare workforce has become increasingly critical. In response to this need, Dalton State is expanding its offerings by adding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, complementing its existing Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. This expansion supports efforts to increase nursing student enrollment by 77 additional slots annually.

John Fuchko, president of Dalton State College, expressed pride in leading this initiative, stating, “This public-private partnership will help fill critical nursing shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas.” The partnership is also aligned with the passage of Georgia’s Top State for Talent Act, which facilitates a seamless transition for nursing students from technical colleges to universities.

The agreement between the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the University System of Georgia (USG) allows graduates of TCSG’s nursing programs to transfer directly into participating USG institutions, establishing a streamlined 2+2 transfer model. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC, highlighted the importance of practical training, saying, “This partnership builds a seamless bridge from the classroom to the clinical setting, helping students advance more efficiently while helping our communities meet growing workforce demands.”

Strategies to support student success will include career exploration activities, curriculum alignment, dual enrollment opportunities, experiential learning, clinical placements, and industry-recognized certification programs. Michael Ciurea, vice president and administrator of AdventHealth Murray, remarked, “We are honored to invest in the next generation of caregivers. This initiative leads to stable careers and directly strengthens patient care in our communities.”

The nursing workforce faces significant challenges, with over one-quarter of registered nurses indicating plans to retire or leave the profession within the next five years, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The Georgia Nurses Association has projected a 21% shortage of registered nurses in the state by 2035.

Judean Guinn, vice president and chief nursing officer at Hamilton Medical Center, recognized the urgency of the situation, stating, “By partnering with local colleges, we are creating a clear pathway for nursing graduates or any other healthcare professionals to enter the workforce and make an immediate impact on patient care.”

While some initiatives outlined in the MOU are already in progress, this partnership aims to enhance those efforts by creating more intentional strategies to address the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals. The collaboration reflects a proactive approach to strengthening the local healthcare system and ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future.