The nursing program at Chipola College comes in big doses for new student, Brett McCullers.
"At first it's a little intimidating, because you have so much, that they have your entire schedule planned," says McCullers.
Now all the hard work and practice is on it's way to becoming nationally accredited.
"It's very exciting," says Dr. Vickie Stephens, Dean of Health Sciences at Chipola College."It opens up a lot of opportunities."
She says this potential new status is something they've been gearing towards for the last couple of years.
"Once we begin to see the trends in health care and begin to see that its becoming an industry requirement, "explains Dr. Stephens, "I won't say requirement because its a voluntary accreditation, but it's the right thing to do."
With accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc., or NLNAC, Chipola's Associate Degree and Bachelor of Science in Nursing would ensure students are meeting current nursing standards as well as open the way to more career opportunities.
"That's another concern especially in the larger hospitals, as the magnet hospitals are emerging," explains Dr. Stephens. "Now they are a looking for students that are coming form nationally accredited colleges and schools of nursing."
"My actual goal is to be a nurse anesthetist, which means I can continue my Bachelors Degree here [Chipola College]," says McCullers.
The upgraded status could also mean more funding.
Stephens will work on an action plan and access any changes and recommendations to the program before the NLNAC plans to make an accreditation visit this Spring.
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