East Alabama Health Welcomes 21 New Nurse Apprentices
January 26, 2026
East Alabama Health recently welcomed 21 nursing students* into the organization’s Nurse Apprenticeship Program.
Representing Auburn University, Chattahoochee Valley Community College and Southern Union State Community College, the apprentices will gain hands-on experience while learning alongside care teams across East Alabama Health.
“We are exceptionally proud to welcome these students into our organization,” said Susan Johnston, chief human resources officer at East Alabama Health. “Through education, mentorship and real-world experience, we’re helping future nurses build critical skills while ensuring compassionate, high-quality care for the people who rely on us.”
The federally recognized apprenticeship program allows students to work for a progressive wage while earning clinical hour credit toward their nursing classes. Apprentices in the program receive unique, specialized training during each clinical rotation through one-on-one mentorship with a trained nurse mentor. In addition, the students also receive tuition assistance during the program.
The newest nurses are part of the program’s 10th cohort. Since beginning in 2022, East Alabama Health’s Nurse Apprenticeship Program has helped 75 nursing students from local universities and colleges pursue their degree while earning paid, hands-on experience.
*Two of the nurse apprentices are not pictured due to scheduling constraints.
