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“Government is taking steps to train people for the needs of the provincial health care system and we are pleased to be able to offer this training in communities across the Island,” the premier said. “This approach allows Islanders to further their education and to train for rewarding careers at locations near their homes.”

Holland College will offer a two-year Practical Nursing program in O’Leary. This will be the third time the program has been offered in West Prince. First offered in Tignish in 2005, and then in O’Leary in 2009, the program has been highly successful, with about 25 graduates from the first two graduating classes obtaining employment in their field.

“The college’s decision to offer the Practical Nursing program in O’Leary again was based on demand in the community and the region, and further demonstrates the commitment of the college to provide timely and relevant programming in West Prince,” said Paula Foley, West Prince Campus Manager.

O’Leary - Inverness MLA Robert Henderson said he is pleased to see all community partners come together to meet the needs of West Prince.

"The real benefit here is the future betterment of our health services in Prince County,” he said.

The program will start in mid-August. The college’s two-year Practical Nursing program blends both theory and clinical practice. Learning is enhanced with simulated practice in a laboratory setting with the opportunity for students to develop and demonstrate the skills they require for the clinical setting. At the end of the program, students have the opportunity to complete 160 hours of practicum in a clinical site, located as much as possible in the West Prince area, with a Licensed Practical Nurse as a preceptor.

This part of the program is designed to enhance entry-level skills and prepare the graduate for a successful entrance to the workplace. Program graduates are eligible to write the national examination (CPNE), the successful completion of which qualifies a student as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Eligible individuals may be able to access government financial assistance to pursue this training program. Through the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, the Training PEI program helps eligible individuals pay for a portion of the costs related to skills training while enrolled in a training program from a registered institution.

For more information about the Practical Nursing program, e-mail info@hollandcollege.com, visit the website at www.hollandcollege.com, or call 1-800-446-5265.