Tri-County's Practical Nursing Department Receives NLN Accreditation

CONTACT: LYNN LOLLIS, EXT. 2468

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/17/2001
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Tri-County Technical College's licensed practical nursing program has received accreditation through the year 2006 by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

The Commission is the entity within the National League for Nursing (NLN) that is responsible for the accreditation of nursing education schools and programs. The NLN is the leading accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs within the U.S. and its territories.

"By achieving NLN accreditation, we have met the highest standards possible for our program," said Department Head Lynn Lollis. "It was a lot of hard work, but it is worth it for the College, the students and the community."

During its three-day site visit, the NLNAC team visited clinical facilities in the tri-counties and had meetings with students, faculty, administration and alumni. Team members looked at courses and syllabi in the department, the philosophy of the program and its instructors, methodology, and hiring trends, said Mrs. Lollis. In their report, evaluators wrote that departmental strengths included "the College's support of faculty development, a caring, unified faculty, and graduates' performances on the NCLEX-PN which consistently rank above the state and national averages." Last year Tri-County's Practical Nursing graduates reported a 100 percent pass rate on the exam.

Another strength was the department's longevity, she said. The program has been in existence since 1961.

"They added that graduates are well prepared as entry-level practitioners, and they exceed employers' expectations," added Mrs. Lollis.

Accreditation is beneficial on many levels, said Mrs. Lollis. "Students will really benefit with the ease of transfer to another college if they choose to continue their education," she said. "It also will assist employers who seek graduates who are competent practitioners."

Students gain clinical experience by working in area hospitals, local physicians' offices and at the Family Practice Center in Anderson. Major employers for graduates are long-term care facilities and acute care facilities.

In addition, the practical nurse is prepared for employment in home health agencies, physicians' offices, ambulatory care facilities and occupational health facilities. Some of the graduates pursue advanced degrees through Tri-County's associate degree Nursing program.

The Practical Nursing department has a 100 percent job placement rate.

The job market is wide open for graduates because of the critical shortage of nurses in the state, said Mrs. Lollis. "I'm pleased to say that our August graduates were able to choose between job offers from hospitals, nursing homes and doctor's offices," she said.

The department is approved by the State Board of Nursing for S.C.
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