Savannah Technical College was awarded $470,000 from the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce (GBHCW) for its Practical Nursing program. The GBHCW recently provided grant funds to nursing schools in Georgia to increase the number of nursing graduates in Georgia’s workforce.
“We appreciate the funding from the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce, which enables us to support our practical nursing students,” said STC President Dr. Ryan Foley. “This grant will provide access to the comprehensive resources and support students need to succeed. We are committed to producing highly skilled and compassionate nursing professionals, who will make a profound impact on healthcare in Georgia.”
Starting in fall 2024, the Nursing Schools Grant will provide wraparound supports to improve STC practical nursing students’ ability to persist and graduate with mental health counseling, emergency vehicle repair/transportation funds, books, supplies, uniforms, and loaner laptops. Students also will receive program- specific assistance through a combination of learning resources, assessment tools, and data analytics with ATI Complete Partnership, which will optimize student preparedness and better prepare graduates for success on the NCLEX.
“With this substantial support, we’re not merely funding nursing education; we’re investing in the compassionate caregivers who will shape tomorrow’s healthcare landscape,” said STC Dean of Health Sciences Stephanie Derfus. “This grant empowers Savannah Technical College to ensure nursing students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we will work to close the nursing workforce gap faced in our community.”
The grant will also fund the purchase of a Pyxis Machine, which is a state-of-the-art automated medication dispensing system in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and pharmacies. It is designed to improve medication management, enhance patient safety, and streamline workflow for healthcare professionals.
Nurses are in high demand. In 2023, the Savannah metro area had a skills gap of 3,173 for registered nurses (RN), 1,611 for practical nurses (LPN), and 1,052 for nurse aides (CNA). Savannah Technical College provides training through competitive selection and with short-term training options including: practical nurses, patient care technicians, and nurse aides. The college will soon will offer the associate of science in nursing (ASN), which will allow those that complete it to take the registered nurse exam.
The GBHCW Nursing Schools Grant is designed to support nursing schools, providing more opportunities to enhance enrollment capacity and graduate more nurses to serve our communities.
A total of $3 million in grants was awarded by the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce. In addition to Savannah Technical College, Albany Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, Georgia Southwestern State University, Lanier Technical College, and Southern Regional Technical College were also awarded grants.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), under the direction of physicians and registered nurses, care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled. Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse.
Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse. Satisfactory completion of all program courses may entitle a student to participate in the NCLEX-PN examination and licensure process. Employers will require candidates to be a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
For more information about STC’s nursing programs visit: www.savannahtech.edu/nursing.