McManus to lead NGTC towards RN program

CLARKESVILLE - North Georgia Technical Collegepan ounces that Carol McManus has accepted the position of Program Director for the Associate Degree in Nursing Program now being developed. 
 
The proposed ASN program will be a direct path to Registered Nursing, projected to be one of the two occupations with the highest growth rate in Georgia and among occupations with the most annual openings in North Georgia.  The College's desire to implement the degree program is a direct result of growing student demand for allied health training, job availability and projected job growth. Currently NGTC attracts more "pre-nursing" students than can be accommodated by its Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program. 
 
"We are very fortunate to have Ms. McManus join us full-time," said Vice President of Academic Affairs Rex Bishop.  "Her outstanding credentials and familiarity with existing educational nursing programs will help us move through the process efficiently so that we may begin to serve our students and the community in this area."
 
McManus has worked all over the country in critical care and trauma (emergency) nursing.  She began her educational awards with a diploma from St. Joseph's Infirmary and continued on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Brenau University and her Master's Degree in Family Nursing from Clemson University.  Returning to Brenau, she completed her post graduate work for Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.  Along with her practical nursing experience, Carol has worked in hospital management and continuing education and training.  She has been teaching in the college environment for more than seven years.
 
"I love teaching, and I love North Georgia Tech," she said.  "I am very at home here and I am really enjoying digging into this project.  I've wanted this program for this area for a long time."
 
Her passion for developing the program is evident as she describes the opportunities now available for a population that hasn't always had access to this level of training.  "Whether it was transportation issues or the costs associated with private colleges, there were many who have been held back from their dreams.  Now, this will be their entry point into a professional nursing career.  They can earn the credentials for higher earning power while working on an ASN."  McManus sees a strong future for this 2-year program that offers educational quality at a bargain price, allowing students a seamless pursuit of higher education.
 
Carol lives in Habersham.  She has four children and seven grandchildren, most of whom also live in the area.