JACKSONVILLE - An open house and ribbon-cutting will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, at the new Tyler Junior College-Jacksonville facility.
In May, the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System and Tyler Junior College announced a unique partnership to provide funding and a home for a nursing instruction facility in Jacksonville.
The joint agreement allows TJC to provide instruction in Jacksonville for students who wish to become registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses or enter other health-related careers.
TJC-Jacksonville offers pre-requisite courses needed to qualify for entry and completion of nursing and other health-related programs.
The first class to be scheduled, the 12-month vocational nurse education program for LVN preparation, began Monday. Of the 20 students enrolled, 18 are Cherokee County residents.
"This partnership is a monumental accomplishment. It will mean that Jacksonville will be the training ground for approximately 40 nurses as well as other health practitioners each year," said Dr. Mike Metke, president of Tyler Junior College.
As part of the partnership, Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) will provide approximately $360,000 over three years with more than $240,000 up front for start-up costs.
"We are very excited about this partnership between Tyler Junior College, both health care systems and our community," said Darrell Prcin, JEDCO president.
"With the growing need for nurses across the nation, the timing is perfect for this project. It is another example that Jacksonville is a growing and vibrant community."
Approximately 4,500 square feet of space at ETMC Jacksonville has been renovated into the new training facility with four classrooms, two labs and three faculty/staff offices.
"The ETMC System has a strong legacy of partnerships with area junior colleges and universities for the benefit of our hospitals, the educational institutions, the students and ultimately the patients we serve," said Elmer G. Ellis, president and CEO of the ETMC Regional Healthcare System.
"It's exciting to see our organizations work together to promote rewarding careers in the health services field."
Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics will provide $225,000 over three years to support the Jacksonville program.
"The continued population growth of the East Texas region has increased our need for more qualified nurses," said Ray Thompson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics.
Tom Cammack, CEO of Trinity Mother Frances-Jacksonville, said, "It will benefit everyone in the community by providing potential nursing students an opportunity to get their education right here in Cherokee County; it will help all medical facilities by providing new nurses; but most importantly, it will help the patients who will receive a higher level of care."
The associate degree nursing transitions program designed for LVNs to move into the second year of the ADN program has a planned start date of Oct. 20.
These students will complete their RN program in December 2009.
Paul Monagan, TJC dean of allied health and nursing, urges individuals interested in any of the Jacksonville-based programs or courses to contact the advising office of the TJC School of Allied Health and Nursing at (903) 510-2662.
The new facility is located at East Texas Medical Center Jacksonville, 501 S. Ragsdale St. (source)
Vocational nurse training-Vocational nurse job
Licensed Vocational Nurse Salary in California
Vocational Nursing schools in California
Vocational Nursing schools in Texas |
