Macon Community Hospital, in partnership with Cumberland University, is proud to announce the launch of the first Registered Nurse (pre-licensure) Apprenticeship program in the state of Tennessee. This groundbreaking initiative will provide nursing students with the opportunity to learn and be paid while working within the hospital setting, combining academic program progression and the employer role to support the student not only in getting their degree and licensure but within their profession.
The program is led by instructor Rosie Gray DNP, RN; Michelle Zuercher MSN, RN as advisor, Beth Chatham PhD, RN, CNE Director of Nursing Programs, Angela Russell-Comer,RN Nurse Educator at MCH and Leanne Bilbrey, CNO at MCH and supported by clinical students Kinsley Arnett , Allie Warner , with MCH Nurse Educators Catherine Bates RN , and Emily Brawner RN. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to preparing the next generation of nurses. Kinsley Arnett and Allie Warner will be MCH first registered nurse apprentices with Cumberland University.
“This is a historic milestone not only for Macon County, but for the entire state,” said Scott Tongate Macon Community Hospital CEO. “By bringing registered nursing apprenticeship into the hospital, we are creating a stronger workforce pipeline and ensuring that our community will continue to have access to excellent, compassionate care.”
The partnership underscores Macon Community Hospital’s commitment to innovation in healthcare education and workforce development. By working hand-in-hand with Cumberland University, MCH is helping to address the statewide nursing shortage and provide students with real-world experience from the start of their careers.
For more information about the program, please contact us at Macon Community Hospital
Macon Community Hospital is a not-for-profit, community-focused hospital serving Lafayette and the surrounding areas of Macon County, Tennessee. Our mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare close to home, with services including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory, rehabilitation, and specialty clinics. With a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and staff, Macon Community Hospital is committed to meeting the growing healthcare needs of our community while promoting wellness, education, and patient-centered care. We are located at 305 West Locust St. Lafayette, TN. You can give us a call at 615-666-2147.