Rasmussen College in the News
Rasmussen College Approved By Minnesota Nursing Board To Offer Practical Nursing Licensure-Preparing Training
January 19, 2005 – MANKATO, MN -- The Minnesota Nursing Board has approved Rasmussen College to offer a practical licensure-preparing nursing program in Mankato, Minnesota. Classes for this program begin April 4, 2005 with an admission class of 24 students and 6 alternates. Students are admitted once per year with a maximum number of 24 students per class. The planned date of graduation of the first class of students is March 15, 2006. Students may select from two program options: an Associate of Applied Science Degree or a Diploma in Practical Nursing.
Practical nursing program graduates may sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. Upon passing this exam, the practical nursing candidate is eligible for licensure, provided the candidate has satisfied all Minnesota Board of Nursing requirements.
"We are pleased to offer practical nursing career training at Rasmussen College," said Heidi Riehl, program coordinator for practical nursing at Rasmussen College. Riehl added, "Nursing is not only a very rewarding career, but also is in great demand locally and nationally."
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, employment for licensed practical nurses is expected to grow by 15.2% through the year 2012 in Minnesota. Nationally, the number of jobs for licensed practical nurses is expected to grow by 20.2% through the year 2012.
"Rasmussen College is excited to be educating tomorrow's leaders in healthcare. Introducing our nursing program in Mankato will help to address the shortage of nurses and we are pleased to further complement our focus on healthcare with this program," commented Kristi Waite, President of Rasmussen College. Rasmussen recently signaled its focus on healthcare with the implementation of its Massage Therapy program at the Mankato campus this past fall.
Students in the practical nursing program will complete a combination of classroom coursework and clinical training as part of their curriculum.
The Mankato campus has undergone construction to complete the laboratories needed for this program as well as its new massage therapy and pharmacy technician training offerings. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the laboratories is scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Rasmussen College Mankato. The public is invited.
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