Transforming Oklahoma's nursing education: Tri County Tech launches Nursing Bridge Program
Tri County Tech announced in a press release the launch of its Nursing Bridge program, making it the seventh institution in Oklahoma to offer a unique pathway for students to gain their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential in record time while saving money.
The program hopes to reshape the future of nursing education in the state, offering high school students a golden opportunity to fast-track their careers in healthcare.
Starting in August 2024, the Nursing Bridge program will bridge the gap for students, allowing them to transition seamlessly from the Nursing Assistant program to the Practical Nursing program.
This acceleration means dedicated students can become LPNs quickly after high school graduation, entering the healthcare field a full year ahead of their peers in traditional nursing tracks. Tri County says students can potentially save thousands of dollars through the program.
Tri County Tech's Nursing Assistant program has long been a beacon for aspiring nurses, drawing in an average of 80 high school students annually vying for just 48 coveted spots. The new program will be offered to 16 qualified seniors who have completed the Nursing Assistant Program.
"We are so excited to provide high school juniors a pathway into the field of nursing and to do our part in helping to meet the nursing needs in our community." Dava Dye, Tri County Tech Director of Practical Nursing, said. "Our Nursing Bridge program allows qualifying students to either enter the field of nursing as a licensed practical nurse or to enroll in a higher education bridge program with advanced standing to obtain their RN or BSN just seven months after graduating from high school."
The Nursing Bridge program promises an immersive learning experience, with students participating in over 600 hours of clinical experience across long-term care and acute care hospital settings. This hands-on approach is designed to prepare students comprehensively for their future roles in nursing.
In 2023, Tri County Tech received a $1.6 million American Rescue Plan Act grant, a significant catalyst for the expansion. The funds will pay for the remodel of the Health Wing and the development of the Nursing Bridge Program.
Interested parties can visit Tri County Tech's website for more information about the Nursing Bridge program.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Tri County Tech launches Nursing Bridge Program for high schoolers
