Western Nevada College News & Notes: Accelerated plan offered for pre-nursing students

To meet the rising employment demand for nurses, Western Nevada College now offers a plan to expedite students’ entry into the college’s nursing program.

Through an accelerated model, students can complete nursing prerequisites in just two semesters, in preparation for acceptance into the program.

“It’s an approach, a plan, if you will, for students who are motivated to complete their WNC pre-nursing coursework in one year,” said WNC biology Professor Steve Carman.

The accelerated plan offers eight-week courses for science requirements on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For the fall semester, students take BIOL 190/190L (Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology) for the first eight weeks of the semester, followed by BIOL 251 (General Microbiology) for the last eight weeks of the semester. Two general education classes round out the semester and can be taken on campus or online. The spring semester fast-tracks BIOL 223 and 224 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II) at eight weeks each, and two additional full-semester general education classes complete the schedule.

“This pathway into our nursing program is an opportunity for students who have the time and energy to devote to becoming a professional nurse over a shorter time. We are dedicated to helping all of our students achieve their goals, following a pathway that best meets their lifestyle and learning needs,” said Dr. Judith Cordia, WNC’s director of Nursing and Allied Health.

It’s imperative anyone interested in accelerating their pre-nursing requirements meet with a counselor to complete the admission and enrollment process. Through placement testing, students will learn if they need to take any classes during the summer so they can be ready for the accelerated science and general education classes in the fall. Financial aid, grants and scholarships may be available.

For information, contact WNC Counseling Services at 775-445-3267.

Commencement Set for May 22

Recognition of the hard work and dedication of one of WNC’s largest graduating classes will be celebrated in a commencement ceremony on Monday, May 22, at the Marv Teixeira Pavilion in Carson City.

Marv Teixeira Pavilion is in Mills Park at 111 E. William St., on U.S. Highway 50.

Doors open at 9 for seating, with the ceremony starting at 10 a.m.

Graduating students will line up for the procession a half-hour before the ceremony.

For information about graduation, go to www.wnc.edu/admissions/graduation/.

Child Development Center Receives 4-Star Rating

WNC’s Child Development Center has received a four-star designation from the Silver State Stars Quality Rating and Improvement System.

Silver State Stars’ QRIS provides parents with the information to make informed decisions when deciding a child care program for their children.

Achieving a four-star rating means WNC’s Child Development Center “exceeds high quality standards,” said WNC CDC Director Andrea Doran.

“I am especially proud of the staff of the CDC for improving from our initial rating to our current four-star rating,” Doran said. “Their hard work and dedication to quality early care and education is evidenced by this achievement.”

Doran said the CDC has worked diligently toward improving its services.

“Each classroom prepared for this over the last 18 months and were able to make appropriate and worthwhile improvements toward best practice,” Doran said. “Participating in this process, in conjunction with our accreditation practices, ensures that we will continue to improve for the children and families in our community. Thank you to all of my amazing staff; you are the reason we reached this goal.”

Silver State Stars Quality Rating and Improvement System is a voluntary program open to all child care centers in Nevada. The QRIS is a systemic approach to improve and assess the level of quality in child care centers.

College’s PTK Honor Society Growing

WNC’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter continues to add members.

The Alpha Upsilon Beta chapter in Carson City includes:

Yessica Alonso, Jose Banuelos Ruiz, Cassandra Blackmore, Tera Bruhn, Audrey Clark, Patricia Dark, Corrina Demaria, Cherrice Dotson, Raife Edwards, Jesus Fernandez, Damon Fischer, Michael Frenchu, Marcela Garcia-Baltierra, Anna Graham, Katrina Grahn, Ryan Harrity, Matthew Hodges, Sarah Jarrett, Linda Jones, Bretta Leach, Gary Little, Miette Lopez, Cassandra Luster, Hannah Marquis, Megan Martinez, Gavin Meyers, Michelle Miller, Karri Mouritsen, Julie Rodriguez, Narua Rugama, Maria Salas, Miriam Silis, Cheryl Simmons, Diane Smith, Sean Stepro, Amber Svensson, Sky Swanson, Asinate Valentin and Suzanne Whimple.

To qualify for PTK membership, WNC students must complete a minimum of 12 hours of associate degree coursework with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher throughout their enrollment at the college.