HAMILTON COLLEGE ADDS DIPLOMA PROGRAM IN PRACTICAL NURSING AT FOUR IOWA CAMPUSES

MORE TRAINING OPTIONS TO ADDRESS NURSING SHORTAGE IN IOWA

Des Moines, IA - July 13, 2005 – Hamilton College announced today that it has introduced diploma programs in practical nursing at four campuses in Iowa, including Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Mason City.  Classes at all four campuses started this week.

Each of the schools recently added specialized lab facilities to accommodate the practical nursing program.  Labs and equipment were designed to closely mirror the environment that students will experience in the field.  Additionally, the Des Moines location recently signed a lease for 8,000 additional square feet to accommodate additional growth.

“The practical nursing program is a wonderful opportunity for direct caregivers to advance their education and become licensed practical nurses (LPNs),” said Cathy Todd, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing at the Madrid Home in Madrid, Iowa. “The need for LPNs in long-term care settings is great, and this program will help fill that void.”

Hamilton College worked closely with the Iowa State Board of Nursing on specific course content to ensure that the program is fully consistent with their requirements, and the Board of Nursing has granted interim approval of the program.  Additional assistance on course content was provided by members of the local Iowa nursing community, who serve on the advisory committees of each of the schools. 

The 12-month diploma program is offered during the day, and includes general education courses of College Composition 1, College Math, Oral Communications/Speech and Psychology.  Each term, students also complete core nursing courses, including a lab.  A total of 270 clinical hours will be completed in long-term care facilities, local clinics and hospitals.

“This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the local nursing community, as there is often a shortage of available training options for nurses,” said Tim Cole, President, Hamilton College.  “The practical nursing program prepares students to become effective health care team members that work under the direction of a registered nurse or physician.”

Each of the campuses can accommodate 50 -125 nursing students per year.  Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Hamilton College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Active certified nursing assistants in Iowa may be eligible to transfer some credits toward the core nursing program in the first term.

About Hamilton College
Established in 1900, Iowa-based Hamilton College is accredited by the North Central Association, and offers a wide range of associate and diploma degrees in Computer Networking, Medical Assisting, Programming, Web Design, Travel/Tourism, Accounting, Administrative Assistant, Management and Criminal Justice Management.  Hamilton also offers bachelor of science degrees in Management, Information Technology, Criminal Justice Management and Accounting Management.  Classes are offered on campus in the day or evening, and a limited number of courses are also available online.  The school also offers career placement services to graduates.

About Kaplan Higher Education
The higher education division of Kaplan, Inc. includes 76 campus-based locations in 19 states, as well as online programs.  Kaplan Higher Education offers career-oriented certificate, bachelor and associate degree programs designed to provide students with the skills necessary to qualify them for employment in fields such as healthcare, business, information technology, technology, fashion and design.  Kaplan, Inc., is a leading provider of educational and career services to students, schools, professionals and businesses worldwide.  For nearly 70 years, Kaplan has helped millions of individuals achieve their educational and career goals.  Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).  For more information about Kaplan, please visit www.kaplan.com.

Press Contact:
Betsy Turenne
betsy_turenne@kaplan.com
212-707-5287