North Campus Practical Nursing Students Receive Scholarships

Pennsylvania College of Technology's North Campus has received four grants totaling more than $46,000 to award scholarships to participants enrolled in its practical nursing program, which begins annually in January.

Two grants were awarded by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation for the 2009 class: a Nursing Education Grant for $21,000 and a Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Supplemental Nursing Education Grant for $6,000. The funds were awarded to 17 current students; scholarships for tuition expenses are not covered by other grant programs.

Notification has been received of two additional Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation grants: a Nursing Education Grant for $10,676 and an Edna B. McKenzie Grant for disadvantaged students for $8,547. The next class, beginning in January, will be the beneficiary of these two grant awards.

"The past four practical nursing classes have received a total of $134,440 in scholarship funds from the foundation, which helped to relieve some of the financial burden that many students face when trying to further their education," said Brenda G. Abplanalp, director of North Campus outreach services. "Because of the tuition assistance, more students are able to complete the program successfully and will enter the local workforce as licensed practical nurses, helping to meet the health-care needs of people in rural Pennsylvania."

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation Nursing Education Grant Program was developed to ensure an adequate supply of nurses in the commonwealth at a time when health-care needs are rising by producing more nursing majors, direct-care nurses and nurse educators.

The North Campus practical nursing program was developed for learners of all ages who want to improve their employment outlook in the field of health care. The clock-hour program is offered through Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Penn College.

The program is fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Graduates are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN) for licensure as an LPN. The program is also in candidacy for accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

For more information, call 570-724-7703 or e-mail .

For more information about grant-funding opportunities, faculty and staff may contact the Grants and Contracts Office at ext. 7562 or through its Web portal.