There are 15 local adults on their way to potential careers in healthcare thanks to an additional class started by the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program this winter.
The decision was made in late 2021 to add a part-time nursing class starting on Jan. 3, 2022, in order to boost overall enrollment and provide more opportunities for adults looking for nursing careers.
The class filled up quickly with the maximum of 15 students accepted into the program in just three weeks, Herkimer BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Sara Nicolette said.
“That’s all I could fit in the room,” Nicolette said. “There was such a demand that we had some people that weren’t able to take the entrance test because all available test slots were taken.”
The Herkimer BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program, located at the Herkimer BOCES Remington Educational Complex in Ilion, provides education and training for adults in the region to become licensed practical nurses. In addition to this one-time new class, there is a full-time class that starts in July and part-time day and evening classes that start in September.
Nicolette said she believes the new class filled up so quickly because of the need for more nurses in the healthcare industry.
“Currently, there’s a tremendous shortage of nurses at all levels – especially LPN – so the salary has gone up with the demand,” Nicolette said. “I think people have realized in our current economy that this is a field that gives them some financial stability.”
Nicolette said the deadlines to apply for the next classes are June 1 for full-time and Aug. 1 for part-time day and evening.
“Based on current phone call volume, we are anticipating next year’s classes to fill just as quickly,” she said. “I am anticipating wait lists for the next classes, so people who are serious about it need to apply now.”
The first step to apply is by calling 315-867-2206 to schedule an entrance exam. More information is available by visiting www.herkimer-boces.org and clicking on the “Adult LPN Program” button on the homepage.
The new part-time class that started on Jan. 3 takes place on three evenings per week and one or two Saturdays per month. The students in the new class will integrate with the second-year part-time evening students in September 2022 and then will graduate as LPNs in June 2023.
“Especially with our part-time classes, it allows people to pursue a nursing career and still work and take care of their family,” Nicolette said. “It’s off to a great start, and these people will graduate in 18 months.”
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program students in a new part-time class that started on Jan. 3 participate in class on Monday, Jan. 31, at the Herkimer BOCES Remington Educational Complex in Ilion. More information on the nursing program is available by clicking here.