Tuskegee University Partnership Expands Access, Experience, and Paid Pathways into Nursing Careers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2026

Tuskegee University Partnership Expands Access, Experience, and Paid Pathways into Nursing Careers

Montgomery, Ala. - Alabama reached a historic milestone in workforce development with the approval of its first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to register a nursing apprenticeship program. Tuskegee University, in partnership with Baptist Health System, now offers the Registered Nursing Apprenticeship Program. This program, registered through the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship of the Alabama Department of Workforce, establishes a transformative pathway that integrates classroom instruction, paid on-the-job learning and clinical experience, and structured one-on-one mentorship for aspiring nurses at the university.

In addition to early workforce engagement, the program addresses financial barriers that often prevent students from completing nursing degrees. Baptist Health System serves as Tuskegee University's "last dollar" scholarship provider, covering remaining tuition or eligible school-related expenses not met through other financial aid. Apprentices will earn wages working on-the-job while completing clinical rotations across specialty departments which is a benefit not traditionally available to nursing students despite extensive clinical hour requirements.

"This apprenticeship represents a different way of thinking about how we prepare Alabama's healthcare workforce," said Meredith Smith, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. "By blending education with paid and structured on-the-job learning, we are expanding opportunity for students while helping healthcare employers build a strong, sustainable talent pipeline."

The student nurse apprenticeship program was created by efforts by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, the Alabama Community College System, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and employers. Tuskegee University joins thirty other postsecondary education institutions in offering the program, marking them as the first four-year HBCU. By combining education with paid on-the-job learning, individualized mentorship, and financial support, this apprenticeship at Tuskegee University strengthens Alabama's healthcare workforce while expanding access to high-demand, high-quality careers.

About the Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program

Alabama's Student Nurse Apprenticeship program launched in March 2022. Through this innovative model, student nurse apprentices can begin hands-on practice earlier in their academic careers. Apprentices are paired one-on-one with experienced nurse mentors, allowing them to gain meaningful, real-world experience with an individualized approach that significantly boosts student support and clinical readiness.

The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and the Alabama Department of Workforce continue to work with education, healthcare, and industry partners statewide to expand apprenticeship opportunities that meet employer needs and create meaningful career pathways for Alabamians.

For more information about apprenticeship opportunities in Alabama, visit the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship's website at alapprentice.org.

Media Contact:
Jeremy Underwood
Communications Manager
Alabama Department of Workforce
Email: [email protected]