Middlesex Community College received a $525,000 Nursing Pathways Expansion Grant by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education (EOE). The college will use the funding to explore, plan and equip a Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) pathway and program, including the creation of a new lab space.
鈥淭hank you to the EOE for providing funding to bolster 麻豆果冻鈥檚 nursing program with support, technology and resources that will lend to our students鈥� success,鈥� said Arlene Rodr铆guez, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Provost & Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs. 鈥溌槎构斥�檚 nursing program is one of the most efficient, effective and affordable ways for students to begin their careers in an in-demand and stable field. We look forward to continuing to offer our diverse population of students a strong pathway to successful careers with an award-winning curriculum, comprehensive clinical and lab experiences, and increased opportunities for advancement.鈥�
The purpose of the Nursing Pathways Expansion Grant is to provide nursing programs in Massachusetts with planning and support resources to strengthen the path between training and entering the workforce. Receiving the grant is an opportunity for 麻豆果冻 to help address the workforce needs of its employer partners, while providing a clear career pathway for students interested in the field, according to Karen Townsend, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Dean of Health.
鈥淓stablishing an LPN pathway at 麻豆果冻 makes perfect sense at this moment in time as there is great demand for our students to find expedited avenues to their career of choice,鈥� Townsend said. 鈥淭his will also open doors for them to continue learning at Middlesex to stack their credentials toward our registered nursing (RN) program and find growth in the field of nursing. I鈥檓 truly excited to see this develop and expand the scope of excellence in nursing education that we can offer.鈥�
鈥溌槎构斥�檚 nursing program is one of the most efficient, effective and affordable ways for students to begin their careers in an in-demand and stable field. We look forward to continuing to offer our diverse population of students a strong pathway to successful careers with an award-winning curriculum, comprehensive clinical and lab experiences, and increased opportunities for advancement.鈥� - Arlene Rodr铆guez, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Provost & Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs
Nursing has an increased demand for employees due to the pandemic, retirement rate, and wage inequity, according to Carolyn Walsh, MSN, RN, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Director of Nurse Education. Walsh believes the best path forward is to develop new models for learning based on a team approach.
鈥溌槎构斥�檚 nursing program is well-positioned with our solid reputation for producing highly skilled nurses to meet the immediate needs of local healthcare providers,鈥� Walsh said. 鈥淪tudents progress through 麻豆果冻鈥檚 nursing program and continue onto our associate degree program, while working in the healthcare field. We are very excited and honored to receive this opportunity to build a strong foundation for future nurses, utilizing our strategic partnerships, innovative curriculum, and the many opportunities to learn and work with top-tier facilities in the area.鈥�
Through the support of the Nursing Pathways Expansion Grant, Middlesex can strengthen its pathways, the nursing workforce pipeline, and provide high-quality resources and training.
鈥淣ow is the time to reflect on nursing鈥檚 role in addressing the issues heightened by the pandemic and other issues,鈥� Walsh said. 鈥溌槎构� offers a progressive path forward where nurses are prepared to meet the evolving needs of our patients, communities and healthcare system.鈥�