On Tuesday, January 9th, the BMC Wellness Center hosted a groundbreaking event — the official signing ceremony for the Nursing Apprenticeship Program. With an enthusiastic gathering present, this ceremony marked a pivotal moment for aspiring healthcare professionals and the state of Alabama.
Alabama’s proactive approach led to the creation of the Student Nurse Apprentice License, a pioneering credential that all participants will operate under during their learning journey. This novel license has gained national recognition, setting a precedent in the realm of healthcare education.
The program garnered attention as three ambitious students — Kamolyut Mengumpun, Kendra Hoskins, and Carson Gibbs — committed themselves to this innovative initiative, signifying their dedication to a career in healthcare.
Carson Gibbs, inspired by his father’s career in healthcare, shared that it’s his drive to make a difference in people’s lives through compassion that has drawn him to this apprenticeship opportunity.
Kamolyut Mengumpun, originally from Thailand, applied to the Shelton State Nursing Program. Once he learned of the apprenticeship program and scholarship opportunities through Bibb Medical Center, he knew that this was the route he wanted to take with his career.
Kendra Hoskins attended Shelton State and graduated with her associate’s degree in business management in 2008, afterwards furthering her education by also obtaining another associate’s degree in medical administration. Staying up to date on all the programs Shelton State offers while she has worked jobs in doctors’ offices and hospitals over the years, once she became privy to the opportunity being offered by Shelton State and Bibb Medical Center, she realized that her true lifelong dream of becoming a nurse could now be feasibly fulfilled.
A warm welcome was given by Bibb Medical Center’s Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Marchant, where he reiterated how thankful they are to be able to be a part of such an initiative.
In his remarks, Dr. Jonathan Koh, President of Shelton State Community College, emphasized the limitless opportunities this program offers. “If you step foot on this Bibb Medical Center campus, you’ll realize what we’ve already realized – that the opportunity here is limitless,” Dr. Koh shared in his welcome. Whether for jobs, growth, experience, or learning, he counted the students of our community quite fortunate to have such an opportunity right in their own backyards. He expressed gratitude to Senator April Weaver for her instrumental role in securing funding for this groundbreaking endeavor.
Joshua Laney, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, highlighted the significance of this program on a national scale. Other states look to Alabama as a pioneer, eager to replicate this model—a testament to the state’s forward-thinking approach in workforce development. Laney proudly announced the staggering success of the initiative, boasting over 500 nursing apprentices within a mere year and a half—an achievement that surpasses expectations and solidifies Alabama’s leadership in this domain.
Dr. Andrea’ Bowden-Evans, Associate Dean of Health Services at Shelton State Community College, delivered poignant closing remarks, urging attendees to perceive this event as a blueprint for a transformative future in healthcare. She emphasized the enduring impact this program will have on the landscape of healthcare, not just locally but nationally, paving the way for an interconnected, dynamic future. “It’s about embarking on a path that will shape the future of healthcare for the nation, for the state, and for Bibb County,” she said. “Today’s proceedings can be seen as a blueprint, illustrating the beginning of an enduring connection. Let’s continue to build the foundation, evolving together, embracing the opportunities ahead, to ensure a lasting impact in the landscape of healthcare.”
The Nursing Apprenticeship Program isn’t just an educational initiative — it’s a catalyst for shaping the future of healthcare. Participants have embarked on a journey that promises to redefine healthcare standards, fueling progress, and evolution in the healthcare industry.
As the ceremony concluded, the collective sentiment echoed the commencement of a promising alliance — a partnership set to revolutionize healthcare education and create a lasting legacy in the ever-evolving field of medicine.
