Shawano student earns nursing credential while finishing high school

Shawano senior Laney Rich is celebrating two graduations this spring - earning her Shawano High School diploma and a Practical Nursing technical diploma from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC).

Through a dual enrollment opportunity at NWTC's Shawano location, Rich completed the one-year Practical Nursing program while still in high school - giving her a head start on healthcare experience as she works toward long-term career goals.

Rich is among thousands of Northeast Wisconsin high school students earning college credit through NWTC. During the 2024-25 academic year, nearly 6,000 high school students across 77 school districts earned more than 32,860 college credits and 600 credentials through NWTC, saving families an estimated $5.5 million in tuition.

This fall, Rich will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study kinesiology, with long-term plans to pursue medical school and a career in orthopedic surgery or sports medicine. Her nursing credential, she said, will provide valuable healthcare experience and flexible employment while continuing her education.

"I've always been interested in healthcare, and becoming an LPN gave me more hands-on experience while I continue toward my long-term goals," said Rich. "The program challenged me, but it was absolutely worth the time and sacrifice."

Rich said her interest in healthcare was inspired in part by her father, Tyler Rich, who graduated from NWTC's nursing program in 2011 and encouraged her to pursue a healthcare pathway grounded in practical, hands-on learning.

"I appreciate NWTC and how practical and useful the training was," said Tyler Rich. "The instructors and support staff were extraordinary and eager to help me succeed. I knew Laney would benefit from that same experience."

Balancing high school coursework with college-level nursing classes came with challenges, especially early in the program, Rich said.

"It was a lot to juggle at first," Rich said. "But after a while, I learned how to manage my time and make sure I was successful in both high school and college classes. My friends were very supportive, even when I had to sacrifice time because of homework."

Through NWTC's Practical Nursing program in Shawano, Rich gained hands-on clinical experience, including simulation-based learning at the NWTC-ThedaCare educational facility, clinical rotations and exposure to real healthcare settings. One experience that stood out most was working with individuals with intellectual disabilities during a visit to a local care organization.

"You really saw the impact of helping someone," Rich said. "It reminded me how important empathy and compassion are in healthcare."

"Laney challenged herself in a rigorous program while balancing high school responsibilities and consistently showed a strong commitment to patient care and learning," said Katie Wisnefske, nursing instructor at NWTC. "She brought curiosity, compassion and a strong work ethic to the program, and I know those qualities will serve her well in healthcare."

For students considering a similar path, Rich said the challenge is worth it.

"The Practical Nursing program is very challenging, but well worth the time and sacrifice," she said. "I learned so much, gained real healthcare experience and know it will help me as I continue my education and career goals."

Students interested in programs through NWTC Shawano, including opportunities to earn college credit in high school, can learn more.