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August 19, 2005

Calhoun Community College Enrolls Record-Setting Nursing Class

When the approximately 9000 students enrolled this fall at Calhoun Community College enter the college's doors on Monday, August 22 for the first class day of the 2005 fall semester, the group will include 400 nursing students-the largest class of nurses to be enrolled in the college's history.

According to Jan Peek, chairperson of Calhoun's Nursing department, this year's class also includes the largest class of first-time students. "We will admit 250 new students into the college's RN and LPN classes this fall," commented Peek. "While there were a number of very qualified students who had to be turned away due to limited classroom space, number of instructors and clinical experience sites, we are pleased to be able to have this record number of students in our nursing programs this year.

"The significance of these numbers becomes even greater when you consider the growing demand for nurses in the workforce. Like the rest of the nation, the state of Alabama is experiencing a severe shortage of primary health care providers. While the U.S. Department of Labor predicts the healthcare industry will add 3.5 million new jobs between 2002-2012 (an increase of 30%), 62% of the 67 counties in Alabama are listed as Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas" Peek added.

Community colleges like Calhoun are the most accessible and affordable entry into higher education, making them critical to ensuring adequate numbers of professionals are well-educated and trained to care for America's healthcare needs. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, more than 60% of new registered nurses and 70% of licensed practical nurses are educated at two-year colleges. Over 6600 students have graduated from Calhoun's nursing programs since their inception.

To accommodate more students into all of its healthcare programs (nursing, dental assisting, surgical technology, and emergency medical services), Calhoun is currently constructing a new 64,600 square foot Health Sciences Center on the college's Decatur campus. Plans are for the building to be complete by fall 2006.

For more information on nursing programs at Calhoun Community College , contact Ms. Peek at 256/306-2795.

Coverage of this release:

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Janet Kincherlow-Martin
Director of Public Relations
(256) 306-2561

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