When a regional health system and a university join forces to redesign a nursing program specifically for people who already hold day jobs, the impact ripples far beyond the classroom. That is exactly what is happening in southwest Georgia, where Albany State University (ASU) and Phoebe Putney Health System (PPHS) are rolling out a new evening track for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree, set to launch in January 2027.
Albany State University Official Stacked Logo
New evening ASN partnership provides financial support, professional mentoring and a pathway to employment at Phoebe Putney Health System.
The collaboration taps into Albany State’s decades of nursing education expertise and Phoebe’s drive to build a stronger healthcare workforce in the region. The evening track itself is not new—ASU has offered it for over ten years—but the partnership adds layers of support that were not previously available. Now, students enrolled in the program will receive financial backing, mentorship from seasoned nurses, hands-on clinical experiences, and a clear route to a job at Phoebe once they graduate and become licensed.
To qualify for the evening track, students must commit to a two-year employment agreement with Phoebe after finishing their degree. In return, Phoebe will provide $10,000 in financial support to each student while they are still in school.
This partnership with Phoebe creates a meaningful opportunity for working adults to pursue a nursing degree while receiving the academic, financial and professional support needed to succeed.”— Dr. Robert Scott, President, Albany State University
“Albany State University has long recognized that access and flexibility are essential to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. This partnership with Phoebe creates a meaningful opportunity for working adults to pursue a nursing degree while receiving the academic, financial and professional support needed to succeed. At the same time, it strengthens the nursing workforce in Southwest Georgia. This is exactly what a university and a healthcare system can accomplish when we align our missions around the needs of our students and our community.”
– Dr. Robert Scott, President, Albany State University
The timing of the announcement is no accident. Healthcare providers across the country—and especially in rural regions like southwest Georgia—are struggling to find enough qualified registered nurses. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics underscores the urgency: employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, a rate that outpaces the average for all occupations.
Students in the program will gain access to a suite of resources designed to boost both academic performance and career readiness. Phoebe is stepping up with financial aid and one-on-one mentoring from its nursing staff, while ASU will provide academic tutoring and success coaching. Participants can also work as nurse externs at Phoebe, use state-of-the-art simulation labs shared by both institutions, and collaborate with Phoebe’s clinical education teams.
Phoebe is also funding one full-time faculty member, one part-time faculty member, and two clinical instructors at ASU.
“This partnership will strengthen Phoebe’s workforce pipeline, expand ASU’s already outstanding nursing program and, most importantly, create life-changing opportunities for hardworking people in our community who want to pursue nursing careers. It will also benefit the many patients they will one day serve. We are committed to creating more career opportunities for people who have a heart for service and an interest in healthcare, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact of this partnership.”
– Scott Steiner, PPHS President & CEO
ASU holds a notable place in nursing history: it was the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Georgia to establish a nursing program. Today, the university offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from associate and bachelor’s to master’s programs. Options include an RN-to-BSN pathway, a Healthcare Professional-to-RN Bridge program, traditional and hybrid ASN tracks, a Generic and Accelerated BSN, and a Master of Science in Nursing with concentrations in Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Informatics.
The ASN evening track can be completed in as little as five semesters and will begin in the spring semester. The program has consistently ranked among the top producers of nursing graduates in Georgia, helping to meet the state’s persistent demand for registered nurses.
Phoebe has built a reputation as a leader in healthcare workforce development, investing in a range of innovative education programs and partnerships. The Phoebe ASN Evening Track will accept up to 30 students for the January 2027 cohort. Priority consideration goes to legal residents of southwest Georgia counties; a full list of eligible counties can be found here. If spaces remain, applicants from other southwest Georgia and north Florida counties may also be considered.
“Phoebe and ASU have a long history of working together, and we are proud to build on that relationship through this innovative partnership. What makes this program especially meaningful is that its students already live and work in our region. By investing in their success, we are helping prepare nurses who will remain here and care for the people of southwest Georgia.”
-Tracy Suber, Ed.D., Phoebe Vice President for Education & Talent Acquisition
Applications for the January 2027 cohort are due November 1, 2026. Interested students must first be accepted into Albany State University before completing the program application, which is available here.
For working adults who have been thinking about a career change, this program offers a rare combination: a nursing degree, financial support, professional mentoring, and a guaranteed job at the region’s largest healthcare employer.
About Phoebe Putney Health System
PPHS is a not-for-profit healthcare delivery system serving more than 600,000 residents across roughly 40 counties in southwest Georgia and beyond. With over 6,000 full-time, part-time, and contract employees, it is the region’s largest employer. The system includes four hospital campuses and a physician group employing more than 350 physicians and advanced practice providers across nearly 50 primary care, urgent care, and specialty care clinics.
Ben Roberts
Director of PR and Communications
Phoebe Putney Health System
506 W. 4th Avenue | Albany, Georgia 31701
Phone: 229-312-5180
benroberts@phoebehealth.com
Rachel Lawrence, Ed.D.
Albany State University
+1 229-364-6683
email us here
Albany State University: A Place to Thrive
Why it matters: This partnership directly tackles two interconnected challenges—the nursing shortage in rural Georgia and the lack of flexible, affordable education paths for working adults. By combining financial aid, mentorship, and a guaranteed job, the model could serve as a blueprint for other communities struggling to keep healthcare workers local.
