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MSCTC nursing program returning
Published Saturday, February 9, 2008
Minnesota State Community and Technical College will continue its nursing program on the Fergus Falls campus next fall, the college announced Friday.
The news comes roughly a month after college, community and legislative leaders met to discuss the fate of the Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which was to rotate among MSCTC campuses before returning to Fergus Falls in fall 2009.
According to a MSCTC press release, “the college is now finalizing alternative budget solutions that will allow its ADN programs to go uninterrupted.” An online, part-time ADN mobility option will also continue for new and returning students.
“We're very pleased regarding continuation of the nursing program,” said Peter Jacobson, CEO of Lake Region Healthcare.
“High quality and accessible education for nurses is absolutely essential to maintaining and growing our region's healthcare. This is another example of what can be accomplished when the community works together for the greater good.”
Students completing the two-year ADN program become registered nurses. College admissions staff say current ADN students will continue their programs as planned, with applications from prospective students already arriving.
“We are very fortunate in this area to have nursing programs which help keep us from experiencing the intense nursing shortages that so many other areas are coping with,” said Angelo Griego, Chief Nursing Officer at Lake Region Hospital. “Not only do the nursing programs provide us talented new nurses, but they also help to maintain expertise in our nursing staff.”
The program’s return, the college said, follows multiple consultations with current and prospective students, faculty, and community healthcare partners, as well as a review of the area’s labor needs. Campus Provost Anna Wasescha has also partnered with community members to reinstate the college’s Medical Laboratory Technician program and build enrollment.
“We want to thank all of the individuals and organizations in the Fergus Falls community who have worked with us to restore both the Medical Laboratory Technician program and the two-year ADN program,” Wasescha said.
“Community support for these programs has put us on a path that will lead to a stronger college and a more vital community.”
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by ginger_ale (anonymous) on February 9, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is wonderful news for our community!!!
Posted by ginger_ale (anonymous) on February 9, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amazing that there is no comment from Valentine.
Posted by fergusforever (anonymous) on February 9, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I knew you could do it Fergus Falls, thank you. Another reason I have continued to be a resident for over 44 years.
Posted by chickadee (anonymous) on February 12, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey - this IS great news. But what of the LPN program which has been in place long before the RN (ADN) program. Is that still on the chopping block?
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