BridgeValley Community and Technical College Receives Grant to Support Nursing Program Expansion
BridgeValley Community and Technical College is excited to announce that it has been awarded a substantial grant to further support its Nursing Program Expansion Project. This grant will enable BridgeValley to continue its efforts to address the critical need for more Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in West Virginia.
The grant, provided by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, recognizes the importance of increasing the capacity of nursing programs to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region. With this funding, BridgeValley will be able to implement Phase Two of its Nursing Program Expansion Project, which includes doubling the seat capacity for its program options and introducing new program offerings, as well.
During Phase One, BridgeValley successfully introduced the 16-Month Accelerated Program Option and the Vo-Tech-to-RN Program Option. The college admitted cohorts of students for both programs and completed the construction of the Booker T. Washington Nursing Wing, which provides modern learning facilities and state of the art simulation experiences for students. The expansion of lecture space accommodated 80 additional students, setting the stage for the subsequent phases of the Nursing Program Expansion Project.
Phase Two of the Nursing Program Expansion Project will see the introduction of the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate Program, a one-year program designed to provide entry-level nurses with comprehensive training. Additionally, BridgeValley will expand its faculty with the hiring of four additional full-time nursing faculty members and support staff to ensure the success of the expanded programs.
The grant will also support recruitment and retention efforts, enabling BridgeValley to attract talented students and provide them with the necessary resources to excel in their studies. It will facilitate ongoing partnerships with regional healthcare employers and allow for the hiring of a Nursing Student Retention Specialist, who will provide valuable support and guidance to nursing students throughout their academic journey.
By expanding its nursing program capacity and offering new program options, BridgeValley is taking a significant step toward meeting the healthcare workforce needs of the Kanawha Valley and surrounding areas. Graduates of BridgeValley's nursing program consistently achieve high first-time pass rates on the NCLEX-RN licensing examination and enjoy excellent job placement rates within the healthcare industry.
"We are dedicated to producing highly skilled nurses who can contribute to the healthcare needs of our community," said Kent Wilson, professor and Dean of Allied Health and Nurse Administrator at BridgeValley. “With this grant, we are well-positioned to make an even greater impact in addressing the critical shortage of nurses in our region."
For more information about BridgeValley Community and Technical College and its nursing program, please visit bridgevalley.edu/nursing.
###
About BridgeValley Community and Technical College
BridgeValley Community and Technical College promotes student success, prepares a skilled workforce, and builds tomorrow’s leaders by providing access to quality higher education. BridgeValley Community and Technical College is the college of opportunity for a diverse learner population, offering leading-edge technology, innovative ideas, and dynamic service to our students and our communities.
BridgeValley Community and Technical College was founded on March 20, 2014, and serves a seven-county region including Fayette, Kanawha, Clay, Putnam, Cabell, Mason, and Wayne counties. The college operates two campuses in Montgomery and South Charleston, along with the addition of the Advanced Technology Center. BridgeValley Community and Technical College is a public institution of higher education independently accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges and a member of the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia.
Promoting student success, preparing a skilled workforce, and building tomorrow’s leaders.