More on the HLG story: http://www.whig.com/story/news/HLG-N...08-24T18-48-14

Hannibal-LaGrange College has received approval to expand its nursing program by 10 spots for the fall 2010 sememster.

The HLG Nursing Program petitioned the Missouri State Board of Nursing to expand its ASN program earlier this summer after John Wood Community College announced it would stop future applications for budgetary reasons.

HLG announced Tuesday evening that Anne Riggs, director of the division of nursing and allied health at HLG, was notified that urgent approval was granted last week.

"We really appreciate the board's support and willingness to work with us to be able to move so quickly on expanding our program in light of recent events," Riggs said in a press release.

HLG Nursing Recruiter Darcia Miller began calling students on the waiting list for the fall semester.

In preparation for the requested expansion, steps were taken to add additional faculty and increase facility/classroom space. Both measures were well under way anticipating a positive response from the board. Over the summer the HLG nursing department was remodeled to include a classroom that will accommodate 65 students, an expanded skills practice lab as well as a dedicated skills check-off room, all of which will better meet the needs of the nursing students.

Dr. David Pelletier, vice-president for academic affairs at HLG, is pleased with the board's decision and the continuing growth of the HLG Nursing Program.

"This fast-tracked approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing speaks to the quality of our nursing program. We believe our program will not only meet the immediate needs of interested nursing students, but will help to educate and equip a strong healthcare workforce for our community."

The HLG Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). NLNAC is a nationally recognized accrediting agency for nursing programs, and is a voluntary process that recognizes programs which meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. In addition to accreditation by NLNAC, Hannibal-LaGrange College is also accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

For more information about the nursing program at Hannibal-LaGrange College, contact Riggs at (573) 629-3143, or Miller at (573) 629-3141.

A related post: http://www.ultimatenurse.com/forum/f...37/#post131777