FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 22, 2024
BREMERTON – Olympic College’s newest program will help Air Force Medics and Navy Corpsmen transition to careers in the growing healthcare field. The Corpsman/Medic to Practical Nursing (CM-PN) pathway allows graduates to qualify as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in just two quarters (after meeting prerequisites), halving the time required to complete the certificate program.
The curriculum includes classroom study, laboratory application, high-fidelity simulation, and supervised clinical experiences (client care) aligned with the established outcomes of the Practical Nursing Program.
“Veterans acquire a wealth of skills during their service to our country. However, applying these skills to civilian careers can be challenging,” said Olympic College President Marty Cavalluzzi. “The Corpsman/Medic to Practical Nursing pathway recognizes and values service members’ military experience and offers a streamlined path to a sustainable career in the high-demand healthcare field.”
Clinical experiences provide opportunities to learn and provide care to clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Concepts of social, behavioral, and biological foundations are incorporated into the curriculum. LPNs work collaboratively with registered nurses, nursing assistants, healthcare providers, and other disciplines to promote the health and wellness of clients in a variety of healthcare settings. The role of the LPN in relation to supporting client needs, a safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, and psychosocial and physiological integrity are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Alecia Nye, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, praised the trailblazing nature of the program.
“With one of the largest military-connected student populations among all of Washington’s colleges and universities, Olympic College is uniquely positioned to create innovative programs like this one that recognize the experience of veterans,” she said. “The launch of this pathway gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of our veteran students while also helping to meet the critical demand for healthcare professionals in our community.”
The Olympic College Practical Nursing Program prepares graduates to provide safe, direct patient care as LPNs in a variety of settings, including acute care, long-term care, home health, and ambulatory care. Graduates of the Practical Nursing (PN) and Corpsman/Medic to Practical Nursing (CM-PN) pathways will receive a Certificate of Specialization. Graduates are then eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Washington. Graduates are prepared for employment as LPNs in home health care, hospitals, skilled nursing, and community-based care agencies.
In December 2023, Olympic College announced a partnership with Kitsap County Commissioners and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health to expand access to healthcare programs at a planned healthcare hub located at the Poulsbo campus.
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