Albany State University, the historically Black educational institution in Georgia, has entered into an agreement with Albany Technical College that will make it easier for nursing graduates of Albany Tech to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Albany State University. To be eligible for the seamless transition to the bachelor’s degree program at Albany State University, nursing students at Albany Tech must have completed the associate’s degree nursing program with a cumulative grade point average of 2.80 or better and have achieved the RN license from the National Council of State Board Nursing.
Tanjula Petty, vice president for academic affairs at Albany Technical College, stated that “it is beneficial to the Albany community for two great institutions to come together and develop a pathway and pipeline to support southwest Georgia in response to the healthcare needs of this community. By signing this agreement, we are promoting educational progression to support the healthcare industry and provide our students with a great opportunity to articulate and achieve greater heights in their education and careers.” Dr. Petty holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Troy University in Alabama and an educational doctorate from Alabama State University.
Art Dunning, president of Albany State University, added: “We cannot make our region work without an educated workforce. This hand-in-glove partnership between Albany’s higher education institutions will greatly benefit residents eagerly seeking an easier 2-year to 4-year degree pathway.”
Albany Technical College enrolls about 3,200 students. African Americans make up 79 percent of the student body.