Penn State DuBois to hold ribbon cutting for Practical Nursing Program

DUBOIS, Pa. - Penn State DuBois will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, to celebrate the opening of its new Practical Nursing Program facilities, marking a significant step forward in expanding healthcare education in the region.

The event will take place in Room 209 of the DEF Building on campus. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the updated learning spaces, meet faculty, students and community partners, and learn more about how the program is preparing individuals to meet growing workforce demands in nursing.

"This program reflects the collaborative work of our faculty, staff, and local partners to support the increasing need for well-trained, compassionate nurses," said Nicki Dufour, practical nursing program coordinator. "We're proud to mark this milestone with the community that helped make it possible."

Certified in May, the Practical Nursing Program is a non-credit, 18-month certificate program designed to prepare students for licensure as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The program combines classroom theory, simulation, and supervised clinical experiences in area healthcare settings, and prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

The Practical Nursing Program at Penn State DuBois, which is the only Penn State practical nursing program in the western region of the commonwealth, meets the requirements of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and is approved as a satellite location of Penn State Lehigh Valley. Students gain hands-on experience in areas such as geriatric and long-term care, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, and maternal-child nursing.

Offered through the Penn State DuBois Continuing and Community Education Department, the program is part of the University's broader mission to support workforce development and expand access to in-demand credentials in rural and underserved communities.

More information about the Practical Nursing Program is available online.

Those planning to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony are asked to RSVP by Aug. 14 to Beth Sawyer via email or phone.