FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Gordon, 961.3173
Public/Private
Partnership to Expand AASU's Health Professions Programs, Address
Labor Shortages in Southeast Georgia
Savannah, GA—March
8, 2004—In an effort to address workforce shortages in health
professions throughout the region, Armstrong Atlantic State University
(AASU) will begin offering new programs in sonography and nuclear
medicine and continue its fast-track programs in nursing and medical
technology. Memorial Health University Medical Center, St. Joseph's/Candler,
and Southeast Georgia Health System (SGHS) in Brunswick have provided
$1.2 million in support of these programs.
"This collaboration showcases the value of synergizing public
and private sector resources in the interest of offering health education
that will meet the labor needs of health facilities in southeast Georgia,"
said Thomas Z. Jones, president of AASU. "Innovation is essential
in addressing the tough challenges we face with shrinking state budgets."
Barry S. Eckert, dean of AASU's College of Health Professions, describes
the development of this agreement as the beginning of an exciting
partnership. "It brings together three major healthcare systems
in Coastal Georgia with AASU’s College of Health Professions.
These combined resources will have a significant impact on healthcare
in the region by addressing workforce shortages." AASU's College
of Health Professions is the second largest health education center
in the University System of Georgia.
Critical shortages of both ultrasonographers and nuclear medicine
technologists throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry has necessitated
that new academic programs be offered in these disciplines. Currently,
there is a 54.4% vacancy rate for nuclear medicine technologists,
and a 22.9% vacancy rate for ultrasonographers in the Coastal Georgia
region. As a result of the new agreement, AASU will begin offering
new degree tracks in both areas beginning in June of 2004. The university
expects that over 100 professionals will graduate from these programs
over the next decade, meeting a significant portion of the overall
demand in the region.
"Memorial Health University Medical Center is committed to helping
increase the number of well-educated, well-trained, and motivated
health professionals in our area," said Robert A. Colvin, president
and CEO of Memorial Health. "We are proud to be a part of this
initiative with Armstrong Atlantic State University, and look forward
to helping expand and develop programs that will enhance the healthcare
workforce in this region."
The fast-track programs in nursing and medical technology were originally
funded through a grant from the Intellectual Capital Partnership Program—ICAPP
Advantage, the University System of Georgia's economic development
program, which will conclude in 2004. The additional funding from
the collaboration will allow these programs to continue growing until
they become fully supported by the state in 2007.
Graduates of the nursing fast-track program are essential to meeting
the demand for nurses in this region. Regional data clearly demonstrate
that the demand for nurses will continue to be at a critical level
until at least 2012. Currently, there is an 8.8% vacancy rate for
nurses in the Coastal Georgia region. The new funding will allow the
university to continue graduating two classes of new nurses annually.
"St. Joseph’s/Candler is excited about collaborating with
Armstrong Atlantic State University and neighboring health systems
to expand opportunities in health professions through this initiative,"
said Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s/Candler.
"As a health system that has been rooted in the community for
the last two centuries, St. Joseph’s/Candler is invested in keeping
the top health professionals in Savannah by offering them the best
place to practice – in a Magnet designated facility."
The shortage of medical technologists in the region and in the state
continues to be critical as well. In the Coastal Georgia region there
is currently a 7.5% vacancy rate for medical technologists. The Georgia
Hospital Association’s 2003 Annual Report shows that over 100
new medical laboratory jobs will need to be filled by 2010. Increased
enrollments will allow AASU’s Medical Technology program to help
fill those jobs.
"Southeast Georgia Health System is dedicated to staffing the
highest quality and best trained health professionals at all of our
many locations," said Gary R. Colberg, president and CEO of SGHS.
"We are pleased to offer support allowing for the expansion of
programs at Armstrong Atlantic. The quality programs offered by AASU
in nursing, sonography, nuclear medicine as well as all other health
related fields, will help to fill much needed employment positions
in southeast Georgia's healthcare communities."
