FVCC expands nursing capacity

Flathead Valley Community College plans to expand its practical nursing program student capacity following approval from the Montana State Board of Nursing to double enrollment from 10 to 20 students.

The approval was partially driven by the college’s proven success of the first two practical nursing classes. Students in both graduating classes achieved a 100 percent pass rate on first attempt of the National Council of State Board of Nursing’s National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, exceeding the national average of first-time test takers.

The third class of practical nursing students is slated to take the exam throughout the next six weeks.

According to Nursing Program Director Myrna Ridenour, the approval for increased enrollment will create an opportunity for local students who want to pursue careers in nursing.

“Approximately 90 percent of students who have completed the practical nursing program are working locally in a variety of health-care settings from the Flathead City-County Health Department to long-term care facilities,” she said.

College students who have completed or will be completing all of the required prerequisite courses this summer semester and received grades of C or higher in all prerequisite courses are encouraged to submit applications for placement on the wait list for the college’s fall 2010 practical nursing program.

The application deadline is July 15. Applications and information packets are available at www.fvcc.edu or in the Admissions Office; call 756-3385.

Kalispell campus.

Applications may be dropped off at the college’s Admissions Office or mailed to:  FVCC Nursing Program, 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901. Applicants will be notified of placement into the program by Aug. 23.

For assistance with the application process or for more information, call the Nursing Department at 756-3385.