Residents of Laurens County will soon have the option of seeking their nursing education closer to home. Beginning in spring 2010, the Practical Nursing program will be offered at the Laurens County Higher Education Center as well as the Lex Walters Campus in Greenwood.

“We’re excited that the PN program will be housed in Laurens since that is where it originated,” said Estelle Martin, interim department head for nursing.

The PN program in Laurens began as a course offered at Clinton High School. When the program was on the verge of closing in 1977, Piedmont Technical College took control. The classes briefly continued to be housed in a building behind Bailey Hospital before the program was relocated to the Greenwood campus.

Over the years, the need for qualified nursing staff has continued to rise. While many larger health care facilities prefer to hire RNs, the need for skilled LPNs is still in demand, primarily at long-term care facilities.

“The need for these LPNs and the desire to make education more accessible led to the decision to expand the program,” Martin said.

Students can complete the first semester of training in Laurens without traveling to Greenwood. Clinical sites have been established in Laurens County as well. PEN rooms will be utilized to connect the 20 students in Laurens to the 20 students in Greenwood, allowing interaction between the two groups.

The PN program not only delivers a highly skilled professional, it also provides a smooth transition for those who wish to continue their education and earn an associate degree to become an RN.

“Many LPNs are coming back, even after many years in the field,” said Martin. “By providing the classes in Laurens, we are giving them several options for the future.”

For more information on the Practical Nursing program, contact the LCHEC at (864) 938-1505 or PTC admissions at (864) 941-8369.

Photo Caption: Practical nursing student Ashley Bolton of Augusta, Ga. practices her diagnostic skills in the SIMs lab under the watchful eye of instructor Stephanie Yonce.