A Promising Start: Growing Healthcare Education at BTC

    At the onset of the new semester on January 8th, Bolivar Technical College witnessed a remarkable surge in enrollment and enthusiasm, especially within the Practical Nursing (LPN) and Professional Nursing (RN) programs. The unprecedented full capacity of the LPN program, a significant growth since pre-covid cohorts, holds promise for addressing the local healthcare shortage.  

Practical Nursing Program Success 

    The Practical Nursing (LPN) program at BTC began classes at full capacity – 41 students, with additional hopefuls on the waitlist. These numbers hold the potential to make a substantial impact on the local healthcare workforce. A notable percentage of the 2024 LPN class at BTC already works in healthcare, showcasing a commitment to investing in their careers. These individuals are motivated by a desire to contribute more to patient care, increase their earning potential, and attain greater professional autonomy.

Professional Nursing Program Expansion 

    The Professional Nursing (RN) program at BTC is also experiencing growth, with two cohorts preparing for classes and clinicals. The RN 2025 graduates are set to embark on their clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, including Citizens Memorial Healthcare (CMH) Med-Surg, Parkview Long-Term Care, Stockton Long-Term Care, CMH-CF Long-Term Care and Mercy Cardiac Med-Surg as they prepare to graduate in May. Moreover, they will collaborate with nurse leaders in prominent healthcare institutions like CMH, Mercy and CMH-CF Long-Term Care. 

RN to BSN Completion Program 

    In addition to the flourishing LPN and RN programs, BTC is proud to welcome a new group of students to the RN to BSN Completion program. This innovative program caters to Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to further their education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The program, designed to be almost completely online, allows RNs to seamlessly balance work and education, completing their BSN in just one year. This initiative not only empowers RNs to advance their careers but also contributes to the overall growth and dynamism of healthcare education at BTC. 

Meeting Educational Demands 

    As the healthcare programs flourish, general education classes at BTC are also witnessing increased demand, with most classes at full capacity. Even with this surge in enrollment, we continue to be committed to providing quality education and meeting the growing demands of our students. 

New Student Orientations 

    Highlighting the eagerness among new students, our staff organized three new student orientation sessions These orientations served as a crucial introduction to the academic environment, helping students acclimate to their new educational journey and fostering a sense of community within the BTC family. 

   The commencement of the new semester at BTC paints a promising picture for our college and the local healthcare sector. The full capacity enrollment in the LPN program, the expansion of clinical opportunities for RN students and the new cohort of the RN to BSN Completion program collectively contribute to our pivotal role in addressing the healthcare workforce shortage. As students invest in their careers and educational pursuits, the ripple effect is likely to enhance patient care, empower healthcare professionals and fortify the local healthcare landscape. 

We are now enrolling students for programs starting in May 2024. We offer a Professional Nursing (RN) program, online RN to BSN Completion program, Practical Nursing (LPN) program, LPN to RN Bridge program, and Paramedic to RN Bridge program. If you are interested in any of the upcoming programs or a tour, contact the college via phone (417-777-5062), email (info@bolivarcollege.edu), or text message (417-771-3543).