Albany State University (ASU) and Phoebe Putney Health System (PPHS) are partnering to expand access to nursing education for working adults through the Albany State University/Phoebe Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Evening Track, beginning January 2027.

The partnership combines Albany State’s longstanding nursing education experience with Phoebe’s commitment to developing the region’s healthcare workforce. The evening track, which has been offered by Albany State for more than a decade, provides students with an opportunity to pursue an Associate of Science in Nursing degree through an evening schedule designed to accommodate work and other daytime responsibilities. The new partnership with Phoebe adds financial support, mentoring, clinical learning opportunities and a direct pathway to employment following graduation and licensure.

To be eligible for the evening track program, students must agree to a two-year employment agreement with Phoebe after graduation. Phoebe will also provide $10,000 in financial support for every student while they are in school. 

“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 partnership comes as healthcare providers across the region continue to address the need for qualified registered nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.

Through the partnership, students will have access to additional resources designed to support their academic and professional success. Phoebe will provide financial support and mentoring from nursing professionals, while ASU will provide additional academic tutoring and success coaching. Students will also have opportunities to participate as nurse externs at Phoebe, gain additional clinical and skills practice through Phoebe and ASU’s state of the art simulation resources, and engage with Phoebe’s clinical education teams.

Phoebe will also provide ASU with funding for one full-time faculty, one part-time faculty, and two clinical instructors.

“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 is a leader in nursing education and was the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Georgia to establish a nursing program. Today, the University offers nursing education across multiple degree and pathway options, including associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

ASU’s nursing programs are designed to meet students at different stages of their educational and professional journeys. Opportunities include the RN-to-BSN program, Healthcare Professional-to-RN Bridge program, traditional and hybrid ASN tracks, a Generic and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and a Master of Science in Nursing with concentrations in Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Informatics.

The ASN evening program can be completed in as little as five semesters. The track will be offered starting spring semester. The ASN program has consistently produced one of the largest numbers of graduates in Georgia, helping address the state’s ongoing demand for qualified registered nurses.

Phoebe has developed a reputation as a state, regional and national leader in healthcare workforce development, investing in multiple innovative education programs and partnerships. The Phoebe ASN Evening Track will enroll up to 30 students in the January 2027 cohort. Priority consideration will be given to legal residents of Southwest Georgian counties. The full list of counties can be found here. If additional spaces remain, applicants from other Southwest Georgia and North Florida counties may 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

ASU/Phoebe Program applications for the January 2027 cohort are due November 1, 2026. Students must first be accepted into Albany State University before completing the program application.

For working adults who have considered changing career paths, the program offers an opportunity to earn a nursing degree while receiving financial and professional support and establishing a pathway toward a career as a registered nurse.