Date Posted: August 18, 2026
GRIFFIN, Ga. – Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) nursing students recently completed a transformative Healthcare Workforce Externship that provided immersive, hands-on learning opportunities across a variety of clinical and healthcare environments throughout the region.
Made possible through funding support from Georgia Power, the externship connected nursing students with valuable real-world experiences at Westbury Center of Jackson for Nursing and Healing, Upson Regional Medical Center, and Jasper Memorial Hospital. The initiative was designed to expose students to diverse patient populations, healthcare delivery models, and the unique opportunities available within rural healthcare settings.
Throughout the externship, students worked alongside healthcare professionals in multiple departments, gaining an appreciation for the teamwork required to deliver exceptional patient care. In addition to clinical nursing experiences, students observed and engaged with departments that help keep healthcare facilities running efficiently, including nutrition and culinary services, environmental services, laundry and linen operations, patient transport, admissions and registration, rehabilitation services, laboratory services, radiology, pharmacy operations, infection prevention, and care coordination.
The experience provided students with a comprehensive view of healthcare beyond the bedside, demonstrating how every department contributes to positive patient outcomes and community wellness.
“This externship opened students’ eyes to the many career pathways and collaborative roles that make healthcare systems successful,” said Dr. Xenia Johns, Executive Vice President/Vice President of Satellite Operations at Southern Crescent Technical College. “The Nursing Externship is an investment in the future of healthcare across Georgia’s rural communities. These hands-on experiences strengthen the healthcare workforce in areas where they are most needed and support Georgia’s commitment to training talent for high-demand industries.”
As healthcare continues to be one of the state’s most in-demand employment sectors, Southern Crescent Technical College remains dedicated to preparing students with the skills, confidence, and practical experience needed to meet workforce needs. Through partnerships with local healthcare providers, SCTC students are able to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while building professional relationships within the communities they may one day serve.
The program also reinforces the importance of developing and retaining homegrown talent, helping students see that rewarding and impactful healthcare careers can be found close to home. By connecting future nurses with local healthcare organizations, SCTC is helping strengthen the workforce pipeline that supports communities across its service area.
“This Rural Workforce Nursing Externship reflects Southern Crescent Technical College’s commitment to preparing students through meaningful, hands-on experiences while strengthening the healthcare workforce in the communities we serve,” said Adessa Green, Apprenticeship Manager. “Our students are eager to learn, and through our partnerships with Jasper Memorial Hospital and Westbury Center of Jackson for Nursing and Healing, they will gain valuable exposure to rural healthcare settings while developing the skills and confidence needed to provide high-quality patient care.”
Southern Crescent Technical College extends its sincere appreciation to Georgia Power for investing in workforce development opportunities that empower students, strengthen regional healthcare systems, and create career pathways in high-demand industries. Through collaborative partnerships like these, SCTC continues to champion student success while helping meet the critical healthcare workforce needs of Georgia’s rural communities.
The Healthcare Workforce Externship represents more than a learning opportunity. It is a launching pad for future healthcare professionals, providing students with experiences that shape their careers, strengthen their skills, and inspire them to make a lasting impact in the communities they call home.
