Community College has announced the addition of Practical Nursing (LPN) and  Associate Degree Nursing (RN) programs in WaKeeney.  The Kansas State Board of Nursing recently approved an evening program for the Practical nursing program.  In addition, the Board approved an Associate Degree Nursing day program and an Associate Degree Nursing evening program for the WaKeeney campus.

“The evening program is intended to provide a longer course of study allowing the student to attain the practical nursing certificate while continuing full-time employment or meeting other obligations,” said Director of Nursing Ruth Wolfram.  “The course of study will begin in June 2012 for the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs.”

“As the premier provider of postsecondary and continuing educational opportunities to northwest Kansas, Colby Community College is committed to serving the needs of all of our stakeholders but especially those who create and maintain employment for the area,” said CCC President Dr. Steve Vacik.  “We have already established a permanent presence in WaKeeney at the former medical clinic where we are teaching general education courses.  Many of these courses will serve as prerequisites for students seeking to pursue nursing as a vocation.”

Letters of support for the addition of the new programs were written by Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, the Trego Manor, Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, the City of WaKeeney and the Trego County Commissioners.

The nursing program will be located in the former Medical Clinic located at 323 Russell Avenue. The building is being remodeled and renovated to include classrooms and lab space for three bed units.

CCC is offering eight classes in WaKeeney beginning in January.  Classes include nutrition, medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, algebra, ethics, psychology, developmental psychology and sociology.

In addition to the WaKeeney programs, CCC was also approved to increase the number of practical nursing students at Norton from 18 to 30 and to add an Associate Degree Nursing program with a 20-student enrollment.

“According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the United States is projected to have a nursing shortage that is expected to intensify as baby boomers age and the need for health care grows,” said Dean of Academic Affairs Joyce Washburn.  “Compounding the problem is the fact that nursing colleges and universities across the country are struggling to expand enrollment levels to meet the rising demand for nursing care.  Expansion and initiation of the nursing program in WaKeeney and Norton will help to meet the nursing shortage in northwest Kansas.”

For more information about the LPN or RN programs offered in WaKeeney, contact Director of Nursing Ruth Wolfram at (785) 460-5444.