In a move to strengthen Georgia’s healthcare workforce, Gov. Brian Kemp announced a new agreement that allows nursing students to transfer seamlessly from the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to the University System of Georgia (USG).
The articulation agreement, signed following the passage of the Top State for Talent Act (HB 192), establishes a “2+2” transfer model. Under the agreement, students who earn an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from a TCSG institution can transfer directly into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at a participating USG school.
“Georgia’s success as the No. 1 state for business depends on a strong pipeline of talent, especially in critical fields like healthcare,” said Kemp. “This agreement between TCSG and USG is a perfect example of how our state is working together to expand opportunities for students, strengthen our workforce, and ensure that every Georgian has the opportunity to succeed.”
Top State for Talent Act
This is the first agreement signed since the passage of HB 192, also known as the Top State for Talent Act, which aims to align Georgia’s workforce development pipeline with employer needs. The act also introduced the state’s first unified high-demand career list.
TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier called the agreement a strategic step toward addressing the state’s nursing shortage. “With this agreement, we’re eliminating barriers and opening doors for more Georgians to pursue rewarding careers in nursing,” Dozier said. “It’s a strategic move that helps our students, our healthcare partners, and our communities.”
USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the agreement’s potential to benefit underserved communities. “Georgia’s growing population means a greater demand for healthcare, and this partnership helps meet it by preparing more nurses, especially in rural and underserved areas,” said Perdue. “It’s a smart investment that drives student success, expands access to care, and builds a more prosperous Georgia.”
A ‘game-changer’
The new transfer pathway is designed to help nursing students continue their education without losing credits or facing delays. It also supports broader goals of increasing educational attainment and economic mobility, particularly in high-demand sectors like nursing and allied health.
North Georgia Technical College Academic Affairs Vice President Stephanie Benson called the articulation agreement a “game-changer” for nursing students in Northeast Georgia.
“It’s a critical step toward meeting the growing demand for skilled nurses in our rural and underserved communities while supporting Governor Kemp’s vision of aligning education with workforce needs,” Benson said.
