Anderson Oconee Pickens

Tri-County’s LPN Program Receives Maximum Eight-Year Continued Accreditation by NLNAC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/18/2006

CONTACT:  JULIE VERNON, 646-1398
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Tri-County Technical College’s Licensed Practical Nursing program received a maximum eight-year continued accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) following a three-day evaluation held earlier this year. 

The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs.  

Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality.

“Accreditation is the standard of excellence, and we’re very proud,” said Julie Vernon, Practical Nursing program coordinator.  The maximum accreditation is a reflection of quality instruction and the strong support of the community, our clinical agencies and our college administration,” said Vernon. 

During its site visit, team members looked at courses and syllabi in the program, philosophy of the program and its instructors, methodology and hiring trends.  In their report, evaluators wrote that the program strengths included strong support within the College and the clinical agencies.  They also highlighted students’ level of preparation for clinical experiences.  Students log close to 200 hours of clinical training through their year of study.

“By the time the graduate, they are confident and competent and prepared for the workforce,” said Vernon.  “They exceed employers’ expectations,” she said.

Accreditation is beneficial on many levels, said Vernon.  Graduates who choose to earn advanced degrees can enter four-year colleges seamlessly.  It also assists employers who seek graduate who are competent practitioners.

The practical nurse is prepared for employment in nursing homes, home health agencies, physicians’ offices, schools and occupational health facilities.  The program has a 100 percent job placement rate and recently graduated its largest class to date (35). 

The program is approved by the State Board of Nursing for SC.