Mesa Community College received $1.3 million from the Virginia Piper Charitable Trust, a portion of a $2.25 million grant from the trust to support the expansion of licensed practical nursing programs at three Maricopa Community Colleges — MCC, GateWay Community College and Glendale Community College and $750,000 from the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.
MCC added a licensed practical nursing program for fall 2024 — fast track practical nursing, according to a release.
“Empowering our community through education and skill-building is at the heart of our mission supporting everyone to achieve success,“ said Richard Daniel, MCC president. “This generous grant from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust enables us to expand our nursing programs, directly addressing critical needs in our healthcare system and fostering the next generation of compassionate caregivers.”
Approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Higher Learning Commission, the fast track practical nursing program provides students with the theory and skills required to be a practical nurse in acute care, extended care and intermediate care settings. It also includes patient care learning experiences in hospitals, nursing homes and health care agencies. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination to become a licensed practical nurse.