Faulkner University hosted a Nurse Apprentice Signing in the College of Health Sciences, recognizing the newest Faulkner nursing student selected to participate in Alabama’s Student Nurse Apprentice pathway.
Representatives from Baptist Health including Carman Dean, education director at Baptist East and apprenticeship coordinator, joined Faulkner University leaders to officially sign nursing student Gabby Pfaff into the apprenticeship program. Pfaff was selected out of 80 applicants. Through the program, Pfaff will receive paid, on-the-job clinical training while completing her nursing education. The apprenticeship also offers a last dollar scholarship that covers tuition as well.
The Student Nurse Apprentice pathway provides nursing students with the opportunity to earn income while gaining valuable hands-on clinical experience. Participants complete their clinical rotations at the health care facilities where they are employed, allowing them to develop professional skills, build confidence and provide patient care in real-world settings before graduation.
Alabama became one of the first states in the nation to establish a nursing apprenticeship model, which has since been adopted by other states. The program operates in partnership with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and the Alabama Board of Nursing. Students must apply for and receive an apprenticeship permit through the Alabama Board of Nursing before participating.
The signing day highlighted Faulkner University’s commitment to innovative, workforce-driven education while strengthening partnerships with health care providers to prepare the next generation of nurses.
By combining academic excellence with paid clinical experience, the Student Nurse Apprentice pathway equips students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to succeed while helping address Alabama’s growing demand for qualified nursing professionals.
