"Community agencies and health care institutions have expressed a need for a college-based practical nursing (PN) program in addition to the registered nursing (RN) program already in place at HACC," said Shannon Harvey, associate dean of academic affairs. "The initiation of the PN program at HACC-Gettysburg will provide a college-level option for those pursing a practical nursing education."
Marilyn Teeter, who was recently promoted to director of nursing programs at the Gettysburg Campus, will be responsible for the administration and development of both the associate degree registered nursing program and the practical nursing program at the campus.
The HACC practical nursing program requires students to earn 43 college credits, all of which are applicable to HACC's associate degree registered nursing program. "We have an excellent bridge program between the two, so interested graduates can continue their nursing education without repeating the PN course content," said Teeter.
Two full-time nursing faculty members will be hired for the new PN program. Clinical sites for PN nursing students will be established at long-term-care facilities and hospitals in the area. "It has been wonderful to see the support we've received from the community in opening and maintaining our nursing programs," said Teeter. "We look forward to establishing more community partnerships as we move forward with the PN program."
HACC also offers registered nursing and practical nursing programs at its Harrisburg and Lancaster campuses. For information about nursing and other health career programs at HACC, contact the Harrisburg Campus at 780-1988 or click Health Careers at HACC's Web site below.