Roanoke — As nursing shortages continue to make headlines across Virginia and the nation, Virginia Western Community College is introducing a new approach aimed at strengthening the workforce while easing the burden on students.
The college’s Earn to Learn Nursing Education Acceleration Program is designed to expand access to nursing education while better preparing graduates for real-world practice.
Virginia Western’s Associate of Applied Science Nursing Program, a pre-licensure RN program, has partnered with Carilion Clinic to implement Earn to Learn in the Roanoke Valley. The initiative focuses on enhancing clinical education and ensuring students are practice-ready upon graduation.
Danielle Ledbetter, one of 22 students in the 2025-26 cohort, said the experience has changed how she views her training.
“The way I describe it is I feel like I’m being trained as a nurse instead of as a student,” she said.
The program builds on a 2024 pilot supported by more than $4 million in statewide funding from the Virginia Department of Health. Five Virginia Western students participated in that initial pilot, and all were later hired by Carilion.
Earn to Learn targets third-semester nursing students, providing a deeper, more immersive clinical experience. A key feature is one-on-one mentorship. Instead of traditional clinical groups of eight to 10 students, participants are paired individually with experienced nurse mentors.
“Having that one-on-one time with a mentor versus having to vie for attention in a group … I’ve learned a lot more,” said student Cody Shelton.
Students complete 104 clinical hours during the semester and are compensated in two ways: through an academic role and a work role. In the academic portion, most students complete one 12-hour shift per week alongside their mentor. They also work as nurse externs on the same unit, gaining hands-on experience similar to a patient care technician while performing more advanced skills.
The dual structure not only increases clinical exposure but also provides financial support. After completing clinical hours, students receive a $2,288 stipend—enough to cover tuition for the following semester—while also earning wages through their extern role.
For many, that financial support reduces stress significantly.
“It’s made my life so much less stressful not having to coordinate another job,” said student Teresa Jamison.
Program leaders say the benefits extend beyond finances. Kristin Crouse, transition to practice director at Carilion Clinic, described Earn to Learn as “a powerful bridge” between education and practice, helping students become confident and familiar with real clinical environments before graduation.
Mentors have also noted improvements in students’ confidence, time management and clinical skills. Micah Borgia, a nurse at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, said the experience allows students to take on full patient loads and develop critical thinking more quickly.
The program also exposes students to a range of medical-surgical and specialty areas, broadening their experience and improving job readiness. Early results show strong retention, with pilot participants filling hard-to-staff roles.
Virginia Western has received continued funding through June 2027, allowing the program to expand and include additional clinical partners.
For program leaders, the goal is clear: invest in students to strengthen the future of healthcare.
“When we invest in nursing students, we invest in the future of healthcare,” said Dr. Kelley Pennell. “The Earn to Learn program is a perfect example of that investment.”
