ACC celebrates practical nursing graduates

ACC is celebrating, having recently wrapped up the last ceremony in a series of summer nursing graduations that took place across the province.

Today, the college held the fourth and final practical nursing graduation of the season at its Victoria Avenue East Campus where 28 students crossed the stage and received their diplomas. All together, 94 new nursing graduates were applauded for their academic achievements inside of the last month. They have completed their formal education with ACC and will now move forward to join the college’s alumni community.

“We continue to deliver our Practical Nursing program through a combination of regular intakes, rotating sites and contract partnerships,” said Karen Hargreaves, Dean of Health and Human Services at ACC. “By extending health care programming into rural areas, we increase post-secondary opportunities for many, contributing to the prosperity of communities across Manitoba. It’s something we don’t take lightly; there’s tremendous value in education because it changes lives.”

Graduations were held earlier this month in Winnipeg and Cypress River, the latter of which was a rural rotating site. Another contract Practical Nursing program finished this past August and included students from Peguis First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation and Kinonjeoshtegon (Jackhead) First Nation.

ACC’s two-year Practical Nursing diploma program teaches clinical nursing skills in a laboratory setting as well as applied skills in acute and extended care facilities, personal care homes, community agencies and private homes. Once Practical Nursing graduates have passed the licensure exam, they are eligible for membership with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba (CLPNM). Earlier this year, 100 per cent of ACC’s practical nursing spring graduates passed that exam.