May 18, 2006-- Estrella Mountain Community College has received approval from Arizona Board of Nursing to be the newest site for Maricopa Community College's Associate of Applied Science, Nursing degree. In addition to a combination of classroom and online instruction, the college has partnered with Banner Estrella Medical Center and West Valley Hospital to provide hands-on, on-site clinical experience. "We're training West Valley students to work in West Valley healthcare facilities," said Clay Goodman, Vice President, Occupational Education. "We made a promise to serve the West Valley community, and this is a direct result of that commitment." The college is the ninth college among the Maricopa Community College District to offer a degree in nursing at its campus, and will be the only degreed nursing program in the Southwest Valley.The program, which trains students to become registered nurses, will open in Fall 2006 with blocks III and IV, specifically geared toward individuals already working as licensed practical nurses, or who have completed their prerequisites and blocks I and II elsewhere. Blocks III and IV comprise the second year of the degree program, and includes psychiatric nursing and clinical experiences in block III, critical care, obstetrics and pediatrics in block IV, as well as the medical/surgical nursing focus woven throughout the entire program. In addition to these areas of study, the program will also provide an important technological component, preparing students for advancing technology and electronic record keeping, which has become a staple of the healthcare industry. "It is our goal to create a well-rounded nurse," said Judi Crume, RN, PhD, Nursing Director. "Our students will leave here able to select a specialty based on their own interest. They'll be prepared for just about anything." Students who complete blocks III and IV will be eligible to take the national licensing exam, NCLEX, to become a registered nurse. The credits earned in the program at Estrella Mountain are transferable to the university level, ideal for students interested in supplementing their nursing credentials with increased education to qualify them for teaching, management, or other leadership positions within the field of nursing. The program will accept applications for Fall 2006 until July 27. The application process also includes admissions testing, as well as evaluation of student transcripts. The college encourages individuals who are already working as Licensed Practical Nurses, students who have completed practical nursing training at the SouthWest Skill Center or Maricopa Skill Center or other institution, or students who have completed blocks I and II elsewhere along with the required prerequisites, to apply for admission. Students accepted into the program will attend 16-week long semester courses and clinicals two days weekly with a cohort of students. "It's a great way to learn," said Dr. Crume. "They'll get to know other students, follow through the program together, and become a great support for each other as they take the first steps toward a truly rewarding career." For more information about the application process, prospective students may call 623.935.8949. For media inquiries, contact Nicole DeLeon, Media Relations, 623.935.8056.Estrella Mountain Community College is located on Thomas and Dysart Roads in Avondale and offers transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific occupational training to more than 13,000 students annually. Estrella Mountain is part of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. For more information visit www.estrellamountain.edu or www.maricopa.edu .
