NCCC starts practical nursing program

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, March 24, 2006
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, March 26, 2006

The Department of Nursing at Niagara County Community College has opened a new 46-credit-hour practical nursing program that will allow graduates to receive advanced standing in the college’s two-year registered nursing program.

The practical nursing credit hour program offers clinical experience at hospitals, health care facilities and community service agencies in both Niagara and Erie counties.

The criterion for admission to the program is a high school diploma (or General Equivalence Diploma), a high school average of 80 percent, and successful completion of advanced biology or chemistry or college-level chemistry or biology.

“There is a critical shortage, nationally, in the nursing profession,” said Kay Collard, chairwoman of NCCC’s nursing division. “This new program helps individuals receive their education and enter the workforce in just 12 months. After that, they can decide whether to enter the workforce or continue on for their RN.”

The shortage is expected to intensify as baby boomers’ age and need for health care grows. Nursing colleges and universities are struggling to expand enrollment to meet the rising need.

“This program definitely will help by putting practical nurses in the workforce in a shorter period of time,” Collard said.