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Avtec, University Of Alaska Partner On Rn Nurses Training

Oct. 13, 2004
No. 05-21

ANCHORAGE – State labor officials have approved a partnership training program with the University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing that is expected to help alleviate a chronic shortage of licensed registered nurses in Alaska and nationally.

The agreement provides that graduates of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) will be able to enroll in the second year of the university’s Associate Degree of Nursing program that leads to Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) certification.

The LPN program is in its third year. The Alaska Vocational Technical Center is a component of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Labor Commissioner Greg O’Claray said, “We are pleased to partner with the university to meet the career needs of Alaska students and to answer the critical need for skilled nurses.”

AVTEC advisory board member Susan Denison said, “With this partnership, two of our state learning institutions have stepped up to the plate to continue to meet demands of workforce shortage in healthcare.

“They are providing easier access to the 'right skills' in the field of nursing."

Denison is a mission leader for the Mary Conrad Center at Providence Health System, a participating resource in the AVTEC LPN program. She also serves on the Alaska Workforce Investment Board, an advisory panel to the labor department.

AVTEC Director Fred Esposito described the LPN training as “a career ladder approach.” He said many students are certified nurse assistants who want to broaden their skills and assume greater responsibilities in patient care and nursing.

AVTEC is a postsecondary vocational training facility for resident Alaskans. It provides vocational training in 15 program areas to more than 1,500 students per year. Admissions information is available at 1.800.478.5389 or online at www.avtec.alaska.edu

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News Media Contacts:
Fred Esposito, AVTEC Director, 800-478-5389 or
Joe Holbert, Special Assistant/Communications, 907-465-5673

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