The Arkansas Health Care Association is launching its AHCA School of Nursing, which will support staffers to pursue a practical nurse license (LPN). It’s the first of its kind in the U.S.
“We are proud to lead the nation with this innovative initiative,” said Rachel Bunch, AHCA School of Nursing president. “Our program creates a structured advancement path for members of the AHCA School of Nursing consortium, and will help fill the critical gap in LPN staffing within nursing facilities in Arkansas.”
Through the program, certified nursing assistants at the member facilities can take courses to advance to an MA-C role, after which MA-Cs can apply to the AHCA School of Nursing to become an LPN. Before being admitted, LPN students pass prerequisite courses at Ozarka College.
There are 71 students in the first class, and they will start this month.
This school works to fill a gap in the number of MA-Cs who want to advance their career, which is 93 percent, and the 5.8 percent who do so, according to a press release.
“Upskilling our existing workforce is one of the brightest pathways we can pave for Arkansas’ future,” said Mike Rogers, Arkansas chief workforce officer. “Too often, dedicated employees are held back by financial barriers that make career advancement seem unattainable. This initiative breaks down those barriers and offers a ladder of opportunity.”
The Health Resources and Services Administration projects that by 2037, there will only be enough LPNs to serve 64 percent of need.
“Addressing the nursing shortage is about so much more than filling jobs — it’s about enhancing the quality of life for Arkansans,” House Speaker Brian Evans said. “I’m proud to support innovation, problem-solving solutions like the AHCA School of Nursing, which will make a positive impact on the dedicated staff members within nursing facilities and the patients and families who rely on them for care.”
READ ALSO: Citizens Bank Launches Mortgage Service
