Colby Mayfield Attends Exclusive Nursing Program

Colby Mayfield ’17 was selected to participate in the Rural Health Scholars Program (RHSP) this summer. Mayfield, chosen in part for his academic achievement, was one of only 25 rising high school seniors to have been selected to attend the five-week program on the University of Alabama’s campus.

The lack of health care professionals in the rural parts of the state is an increasing issue and this program was specifically founded to teach high school students and to encourage them to return to small areas of Alabama for practice in their professions. “Being from Moundville, Alabama, I know the importance of doctors and other healthcare professionals in small towns with only one red light and in most cases, only one doctor,” said Mayfield. The Rural Health Scholars Program gives students a chance to experience college life while living on campus and taking two college courses for credit – Chemistry and Creative Writing. They also participate in seminars and field trips as well as receive orientation about health careers.

This year, Mayfield will be a part of the PCA Health Academy. The academy is designed to offer students a practical-based curriculum providing the education needed for selecting a health care profession. Similar to his time in the Rural Health Scholars Program, PCA Health Academy students learn the various aspects of health care as well as performing clinical rotations at the local hospital. “I enjoy being able to help talented and motivated students like Colby research and experience the vast opportunities in today’s healthcare industry,” said Nurse Brackins, PCA Health Academy director. “The PCA Health Academy allows students to actually see how healthcare works.”

“It was an honor to have been selected as one of the 2016 Rural Health Scholars”, said Mayfield. “Despite the 2:00 a.m. study sessions and the intense courses, I was able to further my passion for nursing and make life-long friends.”