SFCC expands LPN to RN transition program

Special to the News-Sun

AVON PARK -- The South Florida Community College Allied Health programs have partnered with Heartland Workforce to expand its current Transition - Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) program to meet the needs of the community.

"SFCC is always trying to meet the community's needs with educational and training opportunities," said Kevin Brown, dean of SFCC Applied Sciences and Technologies.

"We are constantly looking at programs and assessing the need for expansions and revisions."

During the past couple of years, SFCC has given much attention to expanding the Allied Health programs.

But despite these efforts, it received more applicants for the transition program than it could seat.

To be consistent with its expansion and to fulfill the needs and requests of the community, SFCC has worked with Heartland Workforce to secure funding to expand the SFCC nursing transition program.

"Health care is one of the most thriving industries in this area," said Roger Hood, president and CEO of Heartland Workforce.

"In our efforts to take our mission out to the community, we feel it is necessary to strengthen health care education and further this value-added area.

"Together, we secured a grant of $170,000 and will provide over 80 students with additional health care training."

This joint opportunity provided by the two organizations will allow LPNs to enroll and participate in additional studies that enable them to transition into being an RN.

"Even in these tough economic times, there is still a need for quality nurses with a emphasis on more RNs," Brown said.

The program is designed so that currently employed LPNs can maintain their employment while furthering their education.

The curriculum will run over 18 months with classes rotating between the Highlands, DeSoto and Hardee campuses.

This will provide all students the opportunity to travel less to gain a better education.

To enter the program, students must have a valid LPN license as well as have taken and successfully passed all college credit program pre-requisites.

Interested students can apply immediately through Wayne Craig, SFCC advisor, 784-7290. Application packets are available online at www.southflorida.edu/ academic/alliedhealth/.

Also included in the grant award is funding to offer training for an electrocardiogram (EKG) occupational certificate program and a phlebotomy occupational certificate program.

These programs are short-term instructional programs that will allow individuals such as certified nursing assistants or LPNs who are currently working in the health care industry to advance their skills and gain additional certifications.

SFCC in cooperation with Heartland Workforce will offer these programs throughout their service district on a rotational basis beginning with the Phlebotomy program in spring 2011 at the Highlands and Hardee campuses.

For more information on any of the programs, contact Craig at 784-7290 or visit www.southflorida.edu/ academic/alliedhealth/.