Partnership announces expansion of nursing degree program

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HURON – An education, health care and task force partnership that initiated a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to registered nurse (RN) program in Huron a little more than a year ago is taking the next logical step in offering LPN diplomas with classes starting in January, the president of Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls said Tuesday.
“We are very pleased today to announce the addition of a second nursing education program at the Huron Community Campus to help address the significant shortage of nurses in the Huron region,” Robert Griggs said.
“By offering the LPN and RN programs at the community campus, we can offer a clear pathway into an incredibly rewarding career in nursing right here in Huron,” he said.
A number of partners came together to develop the new LPN program, said Paul Rann, executive director of the Huron Regional Medical Center Foundation.
People recognized the need in the community and stepped forward to help, he said at a news conference that also featured representatives from the hospital, STI, donors and foundations and members of the nursing task force.
In July, graduates of the LPN to RN program graduated with a pinning ceremony in the first cohort to complete the program. The next cohort begins this month.
“Like so many times in the past, this community has been able to take a large step forward,” Rann said.
But it would not have happened without task force leadership, STI, Huron Community Campus, the Huron University Foundation, Greater Huron Development Corporation, Huron Community Foundation, United Way Heartland Region and SunQuest, he said.
“This new program follows the successful launch of a registered nurse program at HCC in fall 2018 and is in direct response to our community’s needs,” said Brooke Sydow, program developer at HRMC.

“Area residents have expressed their desire to be able to begin and end a nursing program right here in Huron,” she said. “By creating these two nursing education opportunities, we are able to remove any barriers for students in our area.”
Sydow said recruiting will be done through visits with area high school students and counselors. She said there will also be collaboration with English language learners in Huron to get them acquainted with the health care field.
“We have some big steps ahead of us” and will be calling on others for help, she said.
It’s a challenge to establish a program off campus, said Griggs and Kristen Possehl, dean of nursing at STI.
“Bringing an academic program to an off-campus site is not an easy task and thank you to all of our partners for working hard and for your willingness to take on a challenge together and making this opportunity a reality,” Griggs said.
He said the response to the RN program has exceeded expectations “and we look forward to preparing even more nurses.”
The LPN program is a total of 48 credits, including required prerequisites. On successful completion, students will be eligible to sit for the LPN exam and begin working, Possehl said.
Area residents who have a high school education and have completed the necessary prerequisites and entrance testing are eligible for the LPN program. Classes will be delivered face-to-face at HCC during daytime hours with clinicals at local healthcare facilities.
Since 1944, Huron has provided nursing education locally, said David Dick, chief executive officer and president of Huron Regional Medical Center.
“I am so grateful to be able to help continue that tradition,” he said. “Having both the practical and registered nursing programs available here in Huron gives rural citizens in this region the opportunity to have their dream of working in health care come true.”
Through the HRMC Foundation’s Healthy Huron initiative, investments are made in people by providing students with scholarships and education opportunities, Rann said.
“This nursing education program and financial support for the students would not be possible if not for the dedication of many partners and donors,” he said.
Fifteen area students have applied for the LPN program, although more have expressed interest. Sydow said they are encouraged by the large number of potential students.
More information about registering for the program is available online at www.southeasttech.edu or by calling 1-605-367-6114.
Scholarship information is available by calling the HRMC Foundation at 353-6315.