BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Aspiring nurses in Tennessee now have a new opportunity to gain hands-on experience and earn income while working toward their certifications. The Tennessee Board of Nursing has officially approved nurse apprenticeships as a viable pathway to becoming a licensed nurse.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Tennessee Hospital Association THA, aims to create a statewide program that allows hospitals and employers to recruit nursing students as apprentices.
By collaborating with government, educational institutions, and healthcare leaders, the program seeks to bridge the gap between graduation and employment in the nursing field.
Max Tunstill, Chief Nursing Officer at Lincoln Health, highlighted the success of a similar program in Alabama, which strengthened the pipeline of entry-level nurses by pairing students with mentors for one-on-one guidance. “This mentorship model equips students with the confidence and skills needed to transition smoothly into the workforce,” Tunstill said.
Healthcare leaders believe this initiative will foster stronger partnerships between hospitals and academic institutions, helping to alleviate the nursing shortage in Tennessee while providing students with valuable real-world experience.
The program reflects a growing trend in healthcare workforce development, offering a practical solution to meet increasing demands in patient care.