For more information:
Rob Price, Director of Marketing (Media calls) 602.243.8030
Kirsten Schaefer: 602-286-8227
If you are interested in becoming a Registered Nurse - and you speak, read, and write fluently in both Spanish and English - you will want to attend an information session of the Bilingual Nursing Fellowship Program (BNFP) on April 14.
The BNFP is a joint effort of GateWay and South Mountain community colleges, in cooperation with Banner Health System.
The Saturday session will run from 10 am to noon in the Student Union of South Mountain Community College, 7050 S. 24th St., just north of Baseline Road.
BNFP students may complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in nursing and obtain a nursing license within three years.
This rigorous program is designed to address the critical shortage of Registered Nurses in Arizona- particularly those who are able to communicate thoroughly with Spanish-speaking patients. U.S. Congressman Ed Pastor helped to secure funding for the program.
The BNFP provides comprehensive, hands-on training in order to improve health care for Spanish-speaking patients. In May 2005, the first group of 19 BNFP students graduated and became RNs. In December 2006, the second group of 19 graduated and became RNs. Currently, four groups are enrolled in the program to become future bilingual nurses. A seventh group will begin in August 2007.
General education courses, nursing instruction, lab experience, and hands-on training make up the course of study.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible for application for licensure as Registered Nurses through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Once licensed, graduates may apply for nursing positions in a variety of health care settings, including Banner Health.
Reservations are not required or accepted for the informational meeting.
For more information about the program, please call 602.243.8269 or go online to:
www.southmountaincc.edu/
South Mountain Community College and GateWay Community College are among the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges.