Staff Report
The Kentucky New Era

Publicity Flyer (PDF)

HOPKINSVILLE -- Gateway Health System has invested in the Fulfilling the Promise Major Gifts Campaign for Hopkinsville Community College.

According to a college news release, Gateway's $25,000 multi-year pledge will provide a valuable boost to the college's Allied Health Endowment. HCC utilizes earnings from the endowment to support on-going enhancements to its nationally-accredited nursing education program. Gateway is based in Clarksville, Tenn.

"Area nursing education programs are vital to creating a talented pool of nurses, addressing the nationwide nursing shortage, and providing us quality individuals whom we can hire," said Gateway Health System President/CEO, Randy Kelley. "We have an excellent partnership with HCC which provides us a consistent stream of highly-skilled RNs."

The college offers an associate in applied science degree (AAS) in registered nursing (which admits a maximum of 75 students each academic year), a diploma in practical nursing (which admits a maximum of 36 students annually), and a Medicaid nurse aid certificate.

"Gateway is a key partner for us," said HCC President/CEO, Dr. Bonnie Rogers. "Our students are able to gain real-world knowledge through their clinical rotation experiences at Gateway."

Upon graduation from the ADN program, students may sit for the NCLEX-RN national certification licensure examination for registered nurses (RNs). After completing the practical nursing program, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PNŽ national certification licensure examination for practical nurses (PNs). The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is responsible for the development, delivery, and support of the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations. More information about the examinations is available online at www.nclex.com.

HCC's nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) as well as the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN).

For more information about HCC's allied health offerings, call (270) 886-3921, ext 6331.

Gateway Health System is comprised of Gateway Medical Center, Gateway Home Care, and Gateway Health Foundation. The private, not-for-profit system serves Upper Middle Tennessee and South Central Kentucky and employs 1,200 professionals.

Gateway Medical Center is a fully-accredited 206-bed, acute care facility offering a gamut of services including emergency, surgery, cardiology, heart surgery, cancer care, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and rehabilitation. More than 150 physicians support the community with 35 specialists and sub-specialties.