A new opportunity to join the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program in the middle of the school year launches in January 2022.
This new class for local adults who want to study to become licensed practical nurses will be offered evenings and Saturdays. Classes start on Jan. 5, 2022, and graduation will take place in June 2023.
“There are nursing shortages and a need for qualified nurses to fill those jobs,” Herkimer BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Sara Nicolette said. “We saw a lot of people earlier this year that for one reason or another weren’t ready to apply for our other classes. This is an opportunity for them to still complete on the same timeline as those who started in September.”
Classes will be offered three evenings per week from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and one to two Saturdays a month from Jan. 5 until Aug. 27. Students will then join one of the second-year part-time classes. Classes take place at the Herkimer BOCES Remington Educational Complex in Ilion.
“We felt strongly this was an opportunity that our area needed at this time,” Nicolette said.
Local adults who are interested in applying to join the new LPN class must submit their applications by Friday, Dec. 10. The first step is to email Nicolette at snicolette@herkimer-boces.org or call 315-867-2209. Tests of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS exams) will be given the week of Wednesday, Dec. 15.
To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school or equivalent diploma, have two professional references, be eligible to obtain financial aid, participate in an interview with Nicolette and successfully complete the TEAS exam.
For payment, Herkimer BOCES participates with Federal Pell Grants and student loans. Healthcare workers also can check with employers about sponsorship opportunities. The initial entrance fee is being waived for this opportunity only.
Herkimer BOCES continues to also offer a 12-month full-time class and 20-month part-time day and part-time evening programs. The next full-time class will start July 5, 2022 with graduation in June 2023. The next first-year part-time day and evening classes will start Sept. 6, 2022, with graduation in June 2024. Applications for these classes will open two months into 2022.
For information about the Herkimer BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program, visit the LPN website by clicking here or visit www.facebook.com/HerkimerBOCESLPN.