Organizational example:
Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, Inc.
Organization/Program |
Bridging Distances in Healthcare & RN Degree Program |
Program Purpose |
To educate and train students in rural Minnesota (primarily adult learners) who are committed to their local communities and interested in a nursing career, and to bridge the gap between students in rural communities and healthcare education throughout the state. |
Program Description |
Bridging Distances in Healthcare (BDH) project was launched in 2002 as a collaborative effort between the workforce investment system, healthcare businesses, economic development agencies and education partners. Each Bridging Distances in Healthcare project is characterized by a local "champion" who establishes and works with an advisory group comprised of representatives from the various stakeholders including the student population. Nursing education is provided through distance learning modalities, such as video tapes, CD-ROMs, and online learning, helping to make education more accessible in the rural areas. Also, clinical experiences, a critical and required component, are provided by local healthcare providers. The program goal for each participant is a 2-year RN degree and state certification. Support services include providing student tuition, adding classrooms to healthcare facilities, collaboration between hospital and college staffs on instruction and mentoring programs and donating supplies and other resources. |
Progress |
Through the project, 298 students enrolled in the nursing programs, in fourteen sites throughout rural Minnesota. By September 2005, when the project was completed, 220 students had completed training, and 31 were still in progress. Included in this number were 24 students who were supported to complete their Bachelor's or Master's degrees in nursing, selected based on their interest in becoming future nurse educators. In addition, the Bridging Distances in Healthcare initiative expanded to include additional opportunities such as the development of Healthcare Careers Preparatory Academies to help more students get into a healthcare career. |
Contact Information |
Carol Dombek, Project Manager |
Information from Carol Dombek of the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, Inc. and U.S. Department of Labor, 2004.