Date Posted: August 7, 2026
GRIFFIN, Ga. — Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) proudly welcomed the inaugural cohort of students into its Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nursing Externship Program, providing Traditional Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) students with immersive clinical experiences designed to strengthen workforce readiness and prepare the next generation of professional nurses.
SCTC was awarded a $3.95 million grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand nursing pathways and support the future of rural healthcare. The funding will strengthen nursing education, expand clinical training opportunities, and prepare more nurses to serve in acute and long-term care settings across Georgia’s rural and areas.
The HRSA Nursing Externship Program is one component of this larger initiative and provides students with opportunities to bridge classroom instruction with real-world clinical practice. Working alongside experienced healthcare professionals, students are able to strengthen essential nursing competencies, develop clinical judgment, and gain greater confidence in providing patient-centered care.
During the externship, Traditional ADN nursing students participate in hands-on patient care activities, including conducting comprehensive head-to-toe patient assessments at the bedside. Students also reinforce classroom concepts through specialized educational experiences. During a recent clinical experience, students reviewed neurology educational materials at the nurses’ station to enhance their clinical knowledge and further prepare them to deliver evidence-based patient care.
“This externship represents an important opportunity for our students to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it in a real healthcare environment,” said Voncharity R. Scott, BSN, RN, HRSA Grant Coordinator. “Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and direct interaction with patients and healthcare professionals, our students are building confidence, strengthening their critical-thinking skills, and developing the clinical competencies they will need as professional nurses. We are excited to see this inaugural cohort take advantage of everything this program has to offer.”
As part of the program’s kickoff, students signed the HRSA Externship Program Pledge, symbolizing their commitment to professionalism, compassionate patient care, and continued learning. Traditional ADN student Taylor Jett proudly signed the pledge as a member of the inaugural cohort, marking the beginning of her externship experience and the hands-on learning opportunities ahead.
“The $3.95 million HRSA grant represents a significant investment not only in our nursing students, but also in the communities they will ultimately serve,” said Dr. Katrina Walker, Assistant Vice President of Nursing at Southern Crescent Technical College. “By expanding clinical learning opportunities such as this externship, we are providing our students with additional preparation to enter the workforce ready to deliver high-quality care. At the same time, we are helping build a stronger pipeline of nurses who can respond to the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities throughout Georgia.”
The HRSA Nursing Externship Program reflects Southern Crescent Technical College’s continued commitment to addressing healthcare workforce needs through innovative education, expanded clinical training, and strategic partnerships. By providing nursing students with meaningful experiences beyond the classroom, SCTC is helping prepare highly skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals while strengthening the nursing workforce throughout the region and state.
Through the support of HRSA and its healthcare and community partners, Southern Crescent Technical College continues to expand opportunities for students while helping ensure that Georgia’s rural and underserved communities have access to the skilled healthcare professionals they need.