Legislator applauds recent LPN grads at Penn State Hazleton
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HAZLETON – A state legislator recently applauded 17 graduates of Penn State Hazleton’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, highlighting the importance of saving the campus.
“These graduates represent exactly why we fought so hard to save Penn State Hazleton,” State Senator Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) said. “This campus is a workforce engine that is helping to meet critical health care needs across northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Penn State Hazleton has an 18-month nursing program which Argall’s office says is continuing to grow. The current cohort, which began in August, has 27 students and another 40 are set to enroll in August.
“Our practical nursing program is dedicated to advancing the health and well‑being of individuals and communities by educating, empowering and inspiring adult learners to become skilled, compassionate entry‑level health care professionals,” said Dr. Heather Assise, coordinator of Penn State Hazleton’s practical nursing program. “Through a student-centered, evidence-based curriculum, we emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning and service to others. At Penn State Hazleton, we take pride in preparing our graduates not only with the clinical competencies they need but also with the values and experiences that allow them to give back to their communities.”
“As a land-grant institution, Penn State is committed to expanding access to education and serving community needs,” said Regional Chancellor Durell Johnson, who oversees the Hazleton, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre campuses. “Our practical nursing program does exactly that — preparing students for in-demand health care careers while strengthening the health and well-being of northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Last year, as Penn State eyed Commonwealth campuses, like Hazleton and Schuylkill, for potential closure, Argall advocated to keep the two local campuses, emphasizing their role in workforce development, affordability and access to higher education close to home.
“At a time when Pennsylvania faces serious shortages in nursing and other health care professions, students like this are essential,” Argall added. “Penn State Hazleton is doing exactly what we hoped it would — preparing skilled, compassionate professionals who will strengthen our communities and our health care system.”
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