MESA, Ariz. -- Sept. 4, 2024 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) has added a Licensed Practical Nursing program for fall 2024 -- Fast Track Practical Nursing. The college received $1.3M from the Virginia Piper Charitable Trust, a portion of a $2.25M grant from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust to support the expansion of LPN programs at three Maricopa Community Colleges -- MCC, GateWay Community College and Glendale Community College and $750K from the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.
“Empowering our community through education and skill-building is at the heart of our mission supporting everyone to achieve success,“ said Richard Daniel, Ph.D., MCC president. “This generous grant from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust enables us to expand our nursing programs, directly addressing critical needs in our healthcare system and fostering the next generation of compassionate caregivers.”
Approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Higher Learning Commission, the Fast Track Practical Nursing program provides students with the theory and skills required to be a practical nurse in acute care, extended care and intermediate care settings. It also includes patient care learning experiences in hospitals, nursing homes and health care agencies. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Mary Boyce, MCC dean of Health Sciences says, “The training programs, degrees and certificates available at MCC align with current job market demands. Facing critical nursing shortages, community partners such as Banner Health and the Ensign Group emphasized their need for LPNs, which require only a year of classes a significantly shorter time of study than for Registered Nurses.”
For the spring 2025 semester, students may apply for the MCCCD LPN Scholarship for help with tuition and fees. Applications are being accepted through Oct. 31, 2024. Awards will be announced at the beginning of December. Information about scholarships and other education funding sources is available at mesacc.edu/financial-aid.
The Fast Track Practical Nursing program is part of the expanding Allied Health Department based at MCC’s Red Mountain Campus, which also includes training for careers in Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services, Health Care Technology Systems and Paramedicine.
Dean Boyce recommends students register as soon as possible for the seven-week Nurse Assisting (NA) course which prepares students to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or a Licensed Nurse Assistant (LNA).
“The Nurse Assisting, LPN and several other new programs can help students be successful, especially when entering a Registered Nursing program,” said Kathleen Mead, MCC NA program coordinator. “The Patient Care Technician course, which meets once a week for eight weeks, teaches procedures and tasks needed to become a Patient Care Assistant also very much in demand at hospitals.”
Registration for Spring 2025 opens Oct. 17, 2024. Questions about the Fast Track Practical Nursing program may be directed to MCC Dean, Mary Boyce (mary.boyce@mesacc.edu).
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.