The new initiative is a program of the University System's Intellectual Capital Partnership Program (ICAPP), specifically the ICAPP Advantage economic development program. ABAC's Nursing Division will use the funding to produce graduates with associate degrees in nursing. The college's corporate partners are Tift Regional Medical Center and Colquitt Regional Medical Center. The economic impact on the local area for the first year is expected to be approximately $1,273,800. It is anticipated that the program will fill 80 jobs over a two-year period.
ABAC President Mike Vollmer said the ICAPP nursing grant will greatly benefit ABAC and the south Georgia area.
"Through the great foresight of the Governor and the Board of Regents, this grant will address a tremendous need facing our nation on a fast track basis," Vollmer said. "This innovative grant will go a long way in helping us address the critical need for trained nurses in south Georgia."
ABAC has developed a unique, innovative program that builds upon prior education that students have obtained at technical colleges. The program, which is called the LPN/Paramedic Transition Track, allows Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and paramedics to attend nursing classes one day per week for three semesters and be prepared to take their licensure exam to become Registered Nurses (RNs). After becoming RNs, they are qualified to immediately enter the workforce in the state of Georgia.
Participants in the program will take two nursing classes per semester. Clinical instructional experiences will be individualized and based upon students' prior health care experiences. Classes will always be held on Wednesdays.
"We are thrilled to receive the ICAPP funding," Wanda Golden, chair in ABAC's Division of Nursing and Health Services, said. "This will enable our nursing program to triple the number of students that we accept each summer term."
Darren Hill, an LPN currently enrolled in the program, said this is the opportunity he has been waiting for to complete his RN degree.
"This program has provided me with the ability to continue my full-time work schedule and attend nursing classes and clinicals one day a week," Hill said. "Without this program, I would probably not be able to reach my goal."
ICAPP is the economic development program of the University System of Georgia. ICAPP Advantage is a direct economic development incentive from the Board of Regents that helps employers meet immediate educated workforce needs.
For additional information about the ABAC nursing program, contact Golden in ABAC's Division of Nursing at (229) 386-3262.
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