As demand for nurses continues to grow, more healthcare providers are considering nursing apprenticeships.
The nursing program and apprenticeship program at Lake Region State College (LRSC) in Devils Lake collaborated to create a nursing apprenticeship program to meet workforce needs in North Dakota. Earlier in 2021, the North Dakota Board of Nursing approved nurse apprentices as an innovative educational model/approach.
Lutheran Sunset Home/Leisure Estates in Grafton is the latest employer to sign an agreement with LRSC for LPN and RN apprenticeship programs. The signing will take place Tuesday, January 4th at 2:30 pm at the Lutheran Sunset Home, 333 Eastern Ave in Grafton. Lake Region State College will also hold information sessions around the signing event from Noon to 2:00 pm.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our facility, said Trevor Tompkins, Administrator/CEO of Lutheran Sunset Home/Leisure Estates. “Current and new employees will have the potential to advance and earn degree while working,” he said.
In the LRSC apprenticeship model, the student can “earn while they learn”, said Julie Traynor, Director of the Dakota Nursing Program.
Following the signing, job descriptions and job openings will be listed on the LRSC website and other relevant areas.
“Many community college students need to work while they attend school,” said Karen Clementich, LRSC Nursing program director.
The apprenticeship has ground rules agreed upon with the employer that provides a structured wage, set step increases, and opportunity for continued employment at the completion of the apprenticeship. The combination of academic program requirements plus the apprenticeship (on-the-job learning, a mentor relationship with a staff nurse, and eventually a Department of Labor certificate of completion) provides a rigorous and sturdy base that socializes students to the nursing profession and prepares them for an in demand and challenging career.
Nursing at LRSC
Lake Region State College offers degrees in practical nursing and associate degree nursing (2-year RN). Graduates of the LRSC Nursing program also are able to transfer on to continue their bachelor’s degree (BSN). LRSC also offers certified nursing training. The college also has a paramedic to nurse program and recently added nurse apprenticeships.
Applications are currently being accepted for Fall 2021.
The Practical Nurse program at Lake Region State College provides the knowledge and skills you need to enter a challenging career in nursing. Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive classroom study and supervised experience in caring for patients in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, acute care centers, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, and clinics. During the eleven-month certificate program, you will be taught practical nursing skills under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Graduates who meet continuation criteria may continue their studies in the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) program at Lake Region State College, or transfer many of their credits to baccalaureate programs at other higher education institutions.
For more information go to LRSC.edu/nursing or call LRSC enrollment office at (701) 662-1514.