Visiting the nursing lab at Penn College at Wellsboro, from left: Valerie A. Myers, dean of nursing and health sciences; Brady L. Breon, director of the paramedic program; Alison A. Diehl, vice president for workforce development; U.S. Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson; Lauren M. Scheetz, director of practical nursing; state Rep. Clint Owlett, a member of the Penn College Board of Directors; and Deborah Rudy, a field representative for state Sen. Gene Yaw.
U.S. Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-15) visited Penn College at Wellsboro on Thursday to learn more about how the health care workforce development programs offered at the site are impacting the critical need for health care workers in Tioga and surrounding counties.
Through Workforce Development at Penn College, the facility offers licensed practical nurse and emergency medical technician training.
In the past two years, 59 enrollees have completed LPN training; 100% of those graduates passed their licensing exam on the first attempt and began work in local health care facilities, explained Lauren M. Scheetz, director of practical nursing.
"One of the greatest aspects of this program is the opportunity to help someone achieve a goal they were unsure they could accomplish," Scheetz said. "Once they reach this challenging goal, they often realize that they are capable of so much more, and that can be life changing."
Thompson chats with LPN students Nova West (left) and Rebecca Nederfield in the Penn College at Wellsboro nursing lab. West and Nederfield demonstrated a care scenario with SimMan, a high-fidelity patient simulator.
“The nursing shortage is one of the most urgent challenges facing health care today, especially in our rural communities. Programs like licensed practical nursing are making a real difference by preparing students with the hands-on skills they need to step into essential roles right away,” said Alison A. Diehl, vice president for Workforce Development. “In addition, the LPN program provides a clear, affordable pathway to a registered nursing degree and beyond. It’s about building a stronger workforce now, while also supporting long-term career growth in areas where we need skilled professionals the most.”
“You create the American dream for so many people,” said Thompson, who is co-chairman of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. The representative spent 28 years in health care as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager and licensed nursing home administrator.
To learn more about Workforce Development programs at Penn College at Wellsboro, call 570-724-7703 or email northcampus@pct.edu.
Brady L. Breon, director of the college’s paramedic program, discusses the college’s emergency medical technician program and the need for more such professionals. Thompson, a volunteer firefighter with three decades of service, was also an EMT.
The contingent stops by a classroom to get feedback from current LPN students.
Students in the part-time licensed practical nurse program work on assignments. The students began the two-year, two-day-a-week program in May.