Herzing University-Kenosha launches nursing program
Herzing University said it is opening a new practical nursing diploma program at its Kenosha Campus, which will train students to become licensed practical nurses, filling a vital workforce need in the region. Enrollment begins immediately, and classes will start May 7.
"With this program, we're making it easier for Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois residents to get started in a rewarding career in nursing," said Jeff Hill, Herzing-Kenosha campus president. "These new LPNs will help our health care partners address the needs of an increasingly older population."
The Wisconsin Center for Nursing projects that the state could be short 20,000 nurses by 2035. Also, Illinois will need more than 21,000 nurses by the year 2020 as many are reaching retirement age, according to the Illinois Center for Nursing. Nationwide, employment for LPNs is expected to increase by as much as 12 percent through 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The 12-month program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses exam. Students may also elect to complete some coursework online.
Herzing-Kenosha students will learn in a new nursing simulation lab that opened in 2017. They will also gain real-world experience by completing their required clinical work at a variety of health care organizations across Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois that are partnered with the Kenosha campus.
Herzing's practical nursing curriculum is designed so that students who wish to advance their nursing education could enroll directly into the university's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Students could be able to transfer up to 24 credits to other Herzing nursing programs, including the BSN.
"The coursework is stackable," Hill added. "Once students earn their LPN, they could start working as a nurse, and at the same time continue their education with our flexible BSN program."
The school also offers a variety of other nursing and health care specialties, including an online Master of Science in Nursing degree for family nurse practitioners and nurse educators.
The Kenosha campus is at 4006 Washington Road. For more information, visit the campus during business hours or call 262-293-5475.