"Because nursing is becoming more complex, the National Council of Licensure Exams (NCLEX) raised the standards in recent years, and the licensure exam became increasingly difficult. It is highly unusual for any graduating class to achieve a 100 percent success rate on their state licensure exam, but to have it happen with a first nursing class makes it most noteworthy," said Marilyn M. Teeter, MSN, RN, associate professor and director of nursing programs, at the Gettysburg Campus of HACC.
"HACC's nursing program is 35 years old and very successful. We were given an excellent template to start a program here at the Gettysburg Campus. The HACC system itself has a tradition of doing well, and I'm just so happy we were able to fit into that tradition, especially with our first class of graduates," said Teeter.
In addition to the quality of the curriculum and established program, HACC is dedicated to providing students instructor-supervised clinical experiences. Clinical groups are limited to eight students to one faculty member. That kind of student to faculty ratio in the clinical setting makes it possible for faculty to work much more individually with students and promotes more learning.
When the Gettysburg Campus of HACC began the nursing program in January 2003, the plan was to admit 25 students each year. Because of the interest in nursing, 25 students were admitted each semester. By fall 2006, there will be approximately 100 RN nursing students enrolled.
"HACC has made a commitment to the community with this campus, and this program is another example of that - HACC's commitment to helping increase the number of nurses in the community as we all face a nursing shortage. There are 22 new registered nurses working in and around our community who would not be working here if HACC had not taken that step outside the box," said Teeter.
All of the graduating nurses are employed RNs in Gettysburg, Chambersburg, York, Hanover and Carlisle Hospitals, along with many nursing homes in the area.
For information on health careers at HACC, click on the Website below and then click on Health Career Programs. For information about scholarship donations at the Gettysburg Campus of HACC, call Beverley Bigham at 337-3855.