Singing River Healthcare Academy has announced the completion of the first-ever licensed practical nurse (LPN) apprenticeship program in Mississippi.
The academy, in partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, had 13 apprentices pass their NCLEX-PN exam — a test to ensure potential nurses have the requisite knowledge and skills to treat patients.
The LPN apprenticeship program serves to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in the Mississippi Gulf Coast community and nationwide. Through the 16-month program, apprentices receive comprehensive didactic training at MGCCC, complemented by on-the-job clinical experience at one of three Singing River hospital locations under a preceptor, all at no cost.
Students are given the opportunity to earn a paycheck while learning critical skills to accelerate their careers in the healthcare field.
“Our LPN Apprenticeship program has not only met but exceeded benchmark success rates, with an impressive 93% achievement to date compared to the benchmark of 80%,” Kim Hunt, LPN educator at Singing River’s Healthcare Academy, said. “This achievement highlights the dedication and commitment of our apprentices, as well as the effectiveness of our collaborative model in preparing skilled healthcare professionals for the future.”
Upon passing the NCLEX-PN exam, apprentices are now equipped with skills and qualifications to embark on fulfilling LPN careers at Singing River in high-demand specialty areas, including employee health, rheumatology, surgical clinics, emergency rooms, and skilled nursing facilities, among others.
Following one year of LPN experience, apprentices become eligible for MGCCC’s LPN to registered nurse bridge program.
Singing River Healthcare Academy was established as the state’s first-ever medical apprenticeship program implemented to provide growth opportunities and career pathways to improve health and save lives in the Coast community through a bigger and better workforce.
