(PHOENIX, Ariz., April 12, 2004) – As the demand for qualified nurses continues to increase throughout Arizona and across the U.S., Phoenix College continues to respond and offer support to local hospitals and agencies through evolving curriculum, expanding course delivery, creating accelerated programs and increasing the number of graduates. With such success, the Phoenix College Nursing Program is eager to celebrate National Nurses Week May 6-12 with a reception for its nursing students.

Since the 1960’s Phoenix College has been a leader in preparing nurses for the ever-evolving healthcare workforce. In 1999, the individual college program transformed into a District program along with its sister colleges within the Maricopa Community College District. This transformation allows the Maricopa Community Colleges with nursing programs to offer the same curriculum to students across the county.

While under the same system, each college maintains solid relationships with the healthcare community. For instance, Phoenix College nursing students complete their clinical hours with surrounding hospitals, of which some include St. Joseph’s Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center. These clinical hours give them the hands-on experience that they need to successfully function in a real world situation.

Additionally, the program is known for its commitment to the local community. It is not uncommon for Phoenix College nursing students to visit day care centers and senior centers to administer flu shots and other vaccinations.

Over the last few years, Phoenix College Nursing Department Chair, Margaret Souders, has witnessed a rapidly changing profession, which ultimately translates into a rapidly changing program. As the Valley’s demand for nurses continues to increase, it is up to the various nursing programs to ensure that they are doing all that they can to fill this need. According to Souders, graduates with two-year degrees generally see a starting salary in the mid $40’s, which makes this one of the hottest careers in today’s job market.

"We’ve done a number of things to address current healthcare trends," said Souders. "To increase enrollment we have developed alternative deliveries like hybrid, on-line and summer classes. This allows our program to reach those students who are limited in time and location. Additionally, we created an accelerated program where students can graduate in 15-18 months as opposed to the traditional 24 months. These recent adjustments to our program allow us to respond to current workforce needs."

According to a November 2001 report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "more than one million new nurses will be needed by the year 2010. The report projects that total employment will increase by 22.2 million jobs during the 2000-2010 period, rising to 167.8 million. Health care practitioners and technical occupations are expected to account for 1.6 million new jobs during that period. Registered nurses, which represent the largest occupation in this group, should account for more than a third of those new jobs."

In addition to nursing, other allied health programs at Phoenix College include: dental assisting, dental hygiene, dental office management, emergency medical technology, genomics, health information technology, histology technician, laboratory assisting, medical assisting, medical billing, medical coding, patient care technician, phlebotomy and therapeutic massage.

For more information on the Phoenix College Nursing Program, please call (602) 285-7133.

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