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HANNIBAL, MO. -- The following is a news release from the public relations office of Hannibal LaGrange College;

In early summer 2010, the HLG Nursing Program petitioned the Missouri State Board of Nursing to expand their program to meet the demands of the tri-state region.  Just last week (August 17), Anne Riggs, MSN, RN, director of the division of nursing and allied health at HLG, was notified with the official word that HLG received urgent approval to expand the ASN program an additional ten spots for fall 2010.  The urgent board request and subsequent approval came on the heels of a reported ASN program closing in the tri-state region earlier in the summer.  “We really appreciate the board’s support and willingness to work with us to be able to move so quickly on expanding our program in light of recent events,” said Riggs.

With the official go-ahead, HLG Nursing Recruiter, Darcia Miller, began calling students on the waiting list for the fall semester. “They were all very appreciative and excited that they are getting to start school,” said Riggs.

In preparation for the requested expansion, steps were taken to add additional faculty and increase facility/classroom space.  Both measures were well underway anticipating a positive response from the Board.  Over the summer the HLG nursing department was remodeled to include a classroom that will accommodate 65 students, an expanded skills practice lab as well as a dedicated skills check-off room, all of which will better meet the needs of the nursing students.

Dr. David Pelletier, vice-president for academic affairs at Hannibal-LaGrange College, is pleased with the board’s decision and the continuing growth of the HLG Nursing Program. “This fast-tracked approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing speaks to the quality of our nursing program.  We believe our program will not only meet the immediate needs of interested nursing students, but will help to educate and equip a strong healthcare workforce for our community.”

The HLG Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).  NLNAC is a nationally recognized accrediting agency for nursing programs, and is a voluntary process that recognizes programs which meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. In addition to accreditation by NLNAC, Hannibal-LaGrange College is also accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

For more information about the nursing program at Hannibal-LaGrange College, contact Anne Riggs, director of nursing and allied health, at (573) 629-3143, or Darcia Miller, nursing recruiter/adviser, at (573) 629-3141.