HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — State government, community colleges, and hospitals: all very different by nature but all coming together for the greater good and to address the current workforce shortages the health care industry is facing.
So, Drake State and Huntsville Hospital are teaming up to provide a program called the LPN Launch Program.
LPN stands for a Licensed Practical Nurse, and there is a major need for more skilled nurses.
This program will make fixing those demands a reality.
"We have a shortage of workforce in Alabama that has been going on for a while. And thanks to Governor Ivy's initiative, the Alabama Community College System put out some grant applications for a standalone LPN program and so Drake was one of the schools that applied and we actually won that grant," said Drake State's Director of Innovation and Program Success, Alice Raymond.
"In 1961, Drake was founded, in 1895, Huntsville Hospital... So, this partnership will do a great job in pushing forward the mission of not only the college but our hospital," said Huntsville Hospital President and COO, Tracy Doughty.
The LPN Launch Program makes that college to workforce transition easy for those looking to join the medical field right here in Huntsville and all in the name of collaboration.
"Through the LPN Launch Program, you not only become a licensed practical nurse but you're guaranteed a job at Huntsville Hospital upon successful completion of the program. The program is three semesters long in length and taught by Drake State, which we already know is a great and successful quality program."
"Collaboration is the Huntsville standard and so this LPN Launch Program is a partnership between Huntsville Hospital and Drake State and it's designed to help meet the challenge of the high demand for nurses in North Alabama," said Drake State President, Dr. Patricia Sims.
Students admitted into the program will receive financial assistance from Huntsville Hospital for up to $15,000 for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses. In exchange for the assistance, students will commit to work for three years as an LPN at Huntsville Hospital.
The deadline for application for the program is April 30. The first class of 25 students will begin in the fall semester at Huntsville Hospital's Cochran Training Center. An informational session on the program is scheduled for March 31. For more details on the program or to register for this event, click here or call 256-551-3156.