COMMUNITY NEED AND EMPLOYER DEMAND DRIVE BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM EXPANSION
Qualified students encouraged to apply now for newly added seats
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. - In response to statewide demand for healthcare professionals, Blue Ridge Community College announced today an expansion of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program. The hands-on nursing education program added 20 seats, now serving up to 74 students each year. ADN students learn from highly qualified faculty in state-of-the-art simulation labs at the College’s Health Science Center in Hendersonville or Transylvania County Campus in Brevard. Blue Ridge is actively accepting applications for qualified students. Scholarships and tuition assistance are available, and more details can be found at http://blueridge.edu/nursing.
"Blue Ridge Community College’s team of experienced and compassionate instructors plays a vital role in preparing aspiring nurses for jobs today and in the future,” said AdventHealth Hendersonville Chief Nursing Officer Maureen Dzialo, MS, RN, NE-BC. “They help students in our local community find rewarding careers with endless possibilities for advancement. AdventHealth values their exceptional program and the students that graduate from Blue Ridge."
Graduates of the two-year program are prepared and eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses and provide hands-on care in a variety of health care settings. In 2021, Blue Ridge students’ first-time pass rate for this exam was 96%.
"Pardee UNC Health Care is proud to partner with Blue Ridge Community College to help train the next generation of nurses," said Carol Stefaniak, DNP, RN, NE-BC, VP Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Pardee UNC Health Care. "Their nursing program graduates are of the highest caliber year after year, and as we work to recruit a qualified workforce while facing a national shortage of nurses, we are grateful to Blue Ridge for actively working to fill that pipeline."
Educating and training the next generation of nursing professionals is a crucial step toward meeting the needs of area residents. It also positions the workforce to respond to increasing demand for healthcare workers. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 2.6 million healthcare occupation jobs will be added between 2020 and 2030.
“Nursing is a rewarding profession that aligns the passion to make a difference in our community with the desire for a dependable career path,” said Blue Ridge Community College Dean of Health Sciences Leigh Angel, MSN, RN. “As essential members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, nurses use expert knowledge and clinical reasoning to manage complex care needs – all while compassionately caring for others during each stage of life.”
Blue Ridge Community College is currently accepting applications, and space is limited for the Fall 2022 term this August. Applications will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis until the year-long cohort is full. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify. Program information and admission criteria are available at http://blueridge.edu/nursing.
About Blue Ridge Community College: Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that elevates the educational experience to prepare students for 21st century success in the workplace or at four-year colleges and universities. Providing real-life, affordable, and accessible education, the College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training.
Our Mission: Blue Ridge Community College empowers individuals with knowledge and skills to enrich our communities and build a competitive workforce.
To learn more about Blue Ridge Community College, visit www.blueridge.edu.
