EVENING/WEEKEND NURSING PROGRAM PROPOSED BY
IOWA LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR RESIDENTS OF THE CORRIDOR

A new program is being proposed for the Lakes Corridor region of Iowa Lakes Community College.

Following the successful launch of an evening and weekend nursing course in Algona this fall, college officials began looking at expanding the opportunities for residents in the western portion of the Iowa Lakes Community College region.  There continues to be a need for trained nursing staff at area health facilities.

 "Research indicates that the swarm of retirements will occur in three to five years in the nursing profession and many new nursing graduates will be needed to accommodate this loss," said Dr. A. Michael Hupfer, President of Iowa Lakes Community College.  "This is an effort to accommodate individuals who have child care and or employment obligations during the day and are unable, as a result, to attend day classes. We anticipate this will provide an opportunity for these students that was previously unavailable."

Informational meetings are planned and interested individuals are encouraged to attend to find out more about this opportunity.  It is the hope of the college to begin basic course offerings starting with the spring term in January that will lead into the nursing program.

Meetings will be held on:
            Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m., Spirit Lake Campus, 800 21st St.;
            Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m., Estherville Campus, 300 S. 18th St.;
            Thursday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m., Spirit Lake Campus, 800 21st St.;
            Wednesday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m., Spencer Campus, 1900 N. Grand Ave., Suite 8.

College staff will be present at each meeting to explain more about the proposed nursing program, answer questions of those attending and assist potential participants with everything from possible financial aid to the registration process.  Meetings are expected to be completed within two hours.

Individuals with questions prior to the open informational meetings may call Kitty Conover, Spencer Campus Director, at (712) 262-7141or 1-877-807-9585; or, Aileen Schacherer, Spirit Lake Campus Director, at (712) 336-3439 or 1-877-807-9584.