South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is excited to announce the launch of its new Evening and Weekend Nursing Program in response to the high demand for nursing education in the region. The program will introduce 20 additional spots to SPSCC's Nursing Program, addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals.
The Evening and Weekend Nursing Program will span six quarters over two years with classes offered during the summer, fall, and winter quarters. The unique structure will feature evening classes running from approximately 6 to 8 p.m. on weekdays, along with weekend classes, clinicals, and other essential components. This is the only area program offering a full-time evening and weekend model and will bring the program's potential graduating class to 60 nursing professionals each year.
Marriya Wright, Dean of Allied Health, highlights the need for flexible programs. "A multitude, if not all, of our students need to work while they're in the program. This additional cohort allows them the flexibility to do both,” she said. “For example, a student could work during the day from Monday to Wednesday, take Thursday off, attend online classes in the evenings, then participate in in-person classes and clinicals from Friday through Sunday when they are more likely to have family support for childcare."
The success of the Nursing Program’s expansion is attributed to the crucial support from clinical partners and the community. While SPSCC students have access to a state-of-the-art simulation lab for some clinical hours, real-world experience gained through partnerships with leading healthcare providers, including MultiCare Health System and Providence Swedish South Puget Sound, remains integral to their education.
“We’re very excited that South Puget Sound Community College is adding more classes to their nursing program,” said Will Callicoat, President of MultiCare Capital Medical Center. “We’re in dire need of more nurses and SPSCC’s ability to adapt quickly is great news for every health system. MultiCare’s mission is partnering for a healing and healthy future. This expansion at SPSCC will go a long way to support our community’s healthcare needs."
Suzie Scott, Chief Nursing Officer at Providence Swedish South Puget Sound, added, “We are excited for the expansion of this program and the continued partnership with SPSCC. Developing the next generation of clinical caregivers is key to our sustained success in providing high-quality care to our community. "
In 2018, SPSCC acquired the Louis Walker Middleton Building, now the Dr. Angela J. Bowen Center for Health Education, thanks to a historic $1.19 million in-kind donation from the estate of Dr. Angela Bowen. The same year, the college set a goal to double its Nursing Program. With significant support from the community, including major gifts and funding from the Betti Foundation, the Marcus family, and many more, this goal is now becoming a reality.
Admissions to the Evening and Weekend Nursing Program will be by lottery, with prerequisite requirements. Applications will open on Jan. 2, 2024 and close on March 1, 2024. The program is set to commence in July 2024. To learn more about the program, attend upcoming information sessions, and apply, visit SPSCC Special Admissions.
