Moving Forward

St. Landry Parish is growing as a medical center, and educators at every level from high school to college are finding ways to introduce students to its possibilities, particularly through nursing programs.

A student can get an introduction to nursing and learn basic skills through a nursing assistant program at high school level career and technical education centers, earn certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the T.H. Harris Vocational and Technical School campus in Opelousas, and learn advanced practical nursing skills or become a Registered Nurse (RN) through programs at Louisiana State University at Eunice.

And, if funding can be found, more opportunities for RN training may soon be available in the parish.

The St. Landry Parish Economic Development (SLED) board has voted unanimously to support a request from South Louisiana Community College for $20,000 to help expand the school’s registered nursing program to the T.H. Harris campus.

Bill Rodier, executive director for SLED, commented, “We are committed to collaborating with our core partners to help create a high quality workforce that will pay dividends many times over our investment in the economy of St Landry Parish and this area of Acadiana. We hope this kind of collaboration will create a model for additional programs in health care and in other areas of our growing economy.”

Willie Smith, SLCC Vice Chancellor for economic and workforce development told the 

board, “We have an LPN program here, but hospitals need more workers going to the RN level.”

He said the need for skilled nurses in rural areas “are tremendous,” and that a program in Opelousas would help meet the needs of smaller communities.” The program is expected to graduate 20 RN students each year.

“It makes sense to do it in St. Landry Parish,” SLCC spokeswoman Christine Payton added.  “This is really a win-win for our students, for the healthcare industry in Acadiana, and also for Acadiana. These will be contributing members of our society.”

About $250,000 is needed from St. Landry Parish to help with program expenses, according to documents Smith provided. Costs include two new faculty members, an administrative assistant, as well as renovations to classrooms, equipment and supplies.

“When the student leaves our college with an RN degree, the average starting salary is $57,000,” Smith said. “That’s economic development . . .. I’m hopeful that we can start with 20 then go to 40 or 60 students.”

SLCC currently offer instruction leading to an Associate of Science in Nursing degree at its Lafayette campus, as does LSU Eunice. The degree, makes students eligible to apply to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

In addition, the LSU Eunice Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology offers training in health care management, radiology, respiratory care, medical coding and billing, and allied fields.