VSU Nursing Secures $246,000 ICAPP Grant

VALDOSTA - The University System of Georgia's economic development program, the Intellectual Capital Partnership Program (ICAPP) awarded the Valdosta State University College of Nursing a nearly $246,000 grant to increase the number of nurses prepared to work in behavioral and psychiatric health care.

“The nursing shortage in Georgia and throughout the country is critical, but even more critical is the need for nurses who work with patients with mental and emotional disorders, substance abuse and other behavioral health problems,” said Dr. Anita Hufft, dean of the VSU College of Nursing. "This grant will enable us to draw bright students into our program and expand the number of nurses we prepare to provide a high level of care for these special populations.”

The grant provides for the college to recruit 10 students into the Accelerated BSN Program, which enables a person with any bachelor’s degree and the required prerequisites to receive a Bachelor of Nursing in 14 months of study. Each student will receive a scholarship to pay for tuition on the condition that they work in a behavioral health setting in the state of Georgia upon graduation. The students will receive additional training in the specialized field through partnerships with area behavioral health facilities, including Greenleaf Center in Valdosta and Southwestern State Hospital in Thomasville.

To learn more about the grant and admission requirements, e-mail Accelerated BSN Program Manager Michelle Gilbert, RN, MSN, at megilber@valdosta.edu.