For almost 175 years, Judson College students have been making a significant impact on the world around them by combining academics with faith and service. Last November the college added another academic program to equip students to serve when the Alabama Board of Nursing granted provisional approval (initial approval status for new nursing programs) for the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) program.
The two-year ADN program requires 72 credit hours. Upon completion students will receive an associate degree in nursing and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) Board Exam.
The first nursing class began clinical rotations this summer after a spring semester in Judson’s state-of-the-art classroom facilities and skills lab.
“We had 30 students in our inaugural class and will have about 30–40 new ones in the fall,” said program director Kandace Shoults. “And we’re adding two new faculty, too, as we move forward.”
Shoults said that Judson’s administration and board of trustees have been extremely supportive of the program.
“This support has ensured that more-than-adequate resources, time and attention are focused on nurturing and mentoring students and equipping them for service to their communities,” she said.
Former college trustee chair Charles Dunkin, of Birmingham, said the trustees talked seriously about the new program for more than two years before giving approval.
“There’s a real shortage of nurses in the country and the nursing program here fits like a glove,” Dunkin said. “It’s a natural outgrowth of our science program and it gives Judson another opportunity to serve the community.”
Shoults explained that the ADN program is focused on training students in quality, compassionate healthcare.
Because of Judson’s unique location in Marion and the college’s longtime involvement in service projects in rural settings, emphasis in the program includes training in rural health. The program specifically honors commitment to service in rural areas through a Nursing Loan Scholarship program offering forgiveness of the loan through work in underserved areas.
Judson’s nursing program has clinical contracts with Vaughan Regional Medical Center, Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital in Demopolis, Druid City Hospital, DCH and North Harbor in Northport, Bibb Medical Center, Tuscaloosa V.A. Medical Center, Amedisys Home Health, the Perry County Nursing Home, Southland Nursing Home and the Marion Clinic.
Shoults attributed the strong relationships with existing clinical sites to Judson’s reputation as a Christian institution and its students’ practical adherence to the standard of academic pursuit of truth informed by the example and teachings of Christ.
“Our students live their faith on campus, participate in weekly chapel and are committed to making a difference for Christ on the job,” she said.
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