Originally published in EdNC

Emily Thomas, February 14, 2024

This case study documents the creation of the first registered nursing (RN) apprenticeship program in North Carolina, a partnership between Davison-Davie Community College and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

Those interested in the nursing apprenticeship program must first apply and be admitted into the college’s nursing program through the traditional college process. Davidson-Davie uses a holistic admissions process, awarding points to students for their strong academic and professional work backgrounds in addition to standardized testing. 

Once admitted to the nursing program, there are two pathways to become an apprentice. The first is the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to associate degree in nursing (ADN) pathway. The second is the nurse aide to associate degree in nursing (ADN) pathway. When students complete their associate degree in nursing, they take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a certified registered nurse (RN). 

This case study describes the program’s results, benefits, structure of the program, key stakeholders, and funding. After the successful launch of the program, Davidson-Davie took the key components of the model and revamped it to fit other high-need health care professions, creating apprenticeship programs for pharmacy technicians, paramedics, medical assistants, and more.

For those seeking insight to how the apprenticeship program could be replicated, this resource also provides lessons learned, recommendations, and appendices of how-to guides and sample templates.

This text-based article has the option for audio playback and includes embedded videos.

Thomas, E. (2024 February 14). Case Study | A Community College and Health Care System Partnered to Launch the First Registered Nursing Apprenticeship Program in North Carolina. EdNC. https://www.ednc.org/case-study-a-community-college-and-health-care-system-partnered-to-launch-the-first-registered-nursing-apprenticeship-program-in-north-carolina/.