Feb. 3, 2011

HARRISBURG – Registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) who would like to re-activate their license, refresh their skills after taking an absence from the nursing profession or are an LPN and need to acquire new skills now have more options and help to pay for it at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.

Through a partnership with Highmark Blue Shield, students who qualify have access to scholarships to help pay for HACC’s continuing education RN/LPN Re-entry program and the LPN New Pathways program.

The Highmark Blue Shield scholarships will cover about half the cost of the two programs. The next RN/LPN Re-entry program begins Monday, Feb. 28. HACC’s new LPN New Pathways course begins May 2. Both courses are held at the Harrisburg Campus, One HACC Drive.

“With more changes to come through healthcare reform and other industry demands, there will most likely be more people getting healthcare coverage and services,” said Susan Hubley, Highmark Blue Shield community affairs director. “The need for RNs and LPNs is certain to continue to increase. Highmark Blue Shield appreciates the dedication and expertise they offer to the healthcare industry and our community.”

Nurses can enroll in the re-entry program not only to become re-licensed, but also if they need to refresh their skills after an absence from the workforce.

“Our re-entry course typically consists of about half the class working toward re-licensure and the other half looking to sharpen their skills,” said Susan Biggs, director of healthcare education, noncredit programs. “If nurses are five, 10, 15 or 20 years out of the field, the goal of our program is to get them up to speed with current nursing practices.”

The LPN New Pathways that begins in May responds to professional needs of many LPNs who are finding that changes in the healthcare industry now require them to obtain jobs in settings other than the acute care hospital setting.

With an aging population, more opportunities exist for LPNs with a hybrid of skills at long-term care facilities, in assisted living, assisted care, home health and private physicians offices.

“As hospitals make changes in their nursing staff, there are many alternative places that would love to have skilled LPNs,” said Brenda Aikey-Trotta, coordinator of healthcare education, noncredit programs. “The LPN New Pathways can prepare LPNs for other venues. Thanks to the scholarships from Highmark Blue Shield, the training comes at an affordable cost.”

More information about the two programs, scholarships and class requirements is available by contacting HACC’s healthcare education department at 717-221-1351. Details about the LPN New Pathways are available here (New Pathways pdf document).