Warner Robins, Ga. – Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) student, Dean Stirland, an internationally educated nurse from the United Kingdom, recently became the first international registered nurse to complete a new Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON)-approved pathway at CGTC.
Stirland, a UK-licensed Registered Nurse who relocated to Georgia with his military spouse, recently completed his required pediatric clinical hours at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital in Macon, a critical step toward the endorsement of his nursing license in the state of Georgia.
“The professionalism and guidance I received from the entire team in the Pediatric ER was exceptional. I could not have hoped for a better experience,” said Stirland. “The staff at CGTC were equally incredible—guiding me every step of the way through a process that, as an international graduate unfamiliar with U.S. education, could have felt overwhelming. Their support made this journey an overwhelmingly positive one.”
Stirland’s achievement underscores the College’s ongoing commitment to creating innovative and inclusive pathways into the healthcare workforce, especially for military families and international students.
“We understand that international students face unique challenges navigating unfamiliar systems and educational requirements,” said Brandi Mitchem, CGTC Director for Enrollment Services. “At CGTC, we work intentionally to provide personalized, wraparound support—whether through academic guidance, cultural adjustment resources, or professional mentorship. Dean’s success is a testament to what’s possible when strong support meets student determination.”
Stirland’s journey was made possible through one of CGTC’s newest initiatives, the Military Medical Personnel to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Transition Program, approved by GBON in May 2025. This pioneering initiative was made possible through Senate Bill 449, passed during the 2024 Georgia Legislative Session, and aims to create an accelerated licensure pathway for qualified military medics and corpsmen transitioning to civilian life.
“This program is a meaningful way to honor military medical service by providing a clear, accelerated path into the nursing workforce,” said Jessica Willcox, CGTC Director of Nursing and Georgia Board of Nursing member. “Dean Stirland’s successful completion shows that with the right guidance and support, CGTC can help bridge international, military, and civilian healthcare experiences into professional opportunity.”
As the first to complete the GBON’s international transition requirements at CGTC, Stirland sets a precedent for future foreign-trained nurses seeking licensure in Georgia.
His success is a powerful reminder of the College’s mission: to provide accessible, high-quality education that meets workforce needs—regionally and globally.
About Central Georgia Technical College
As one of the largest two-year colleges in the state, CGTC operates three campuses and five centers throughout central Georgia, serving more than 30,000 individuals annually. CGTC is focused on connecting graduates to careers by offering quality education services, assuring a well -qualified workforce to support a healthy local economy. CGTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For more information about CGTC, visit www.centralgatech.edu. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/centralgatech), X (@CGTC), and Instagram (@centralgatech).