SOUTH CHARLESTON, W. Va. – BridgeValley Community and Technical College is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $1.5 million grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to expand and enhance its nursing programs. This transformative funding will elevate educational opportunities for aspiring nurses and help address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in West Virginia.

"This funding allows us to further expand our nursing programs and equip students with the skills needed to serve our community," said Dr. Casey K. Sacks, President of BridgeValley. “We are committed to providing high-quality education and preparing our graduates for the growing demands of the healthcare field.”

The grant will enable BridgeValley to recruit students and strengthen its nursing programs, including the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing, Advanced Placement programs (VoTech-RN, LPN-RN, and Paramedic-RN), and Pre-Nursing and Pre-LPN Nursing majors. Additionally, BridgeValley will develop and admit new cohorts in the Certificate in Practical Nursing (CAS) Program and promote the Workforce Initiative (WIN) Academy for high school students.

This funding will support recruitment and retention efforts, allowing BridgeValley to attract talented students and provide them with the essential resources to excel. The grant will facilitate ongoing partnerships with regional healthcare employers and enable the hiring of additional nursing faculty and support staff to ensure the success of the expanded programs.

"Receiving this grant is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students," said Kent Wilson, Dean and Nurse Administrator at BridgeValley. “It will allow us to further our mission of providing high-quality nursing education and preparing our graduates to meet the healthcare needs of our community. This funding is crucial for addressing the nursing shortage in West Virginia and ensuring that our graduates are prepared to make a positive impact in the healthcare industry."

By enhancing its nursing program and launching new initiatives, BridgeValley is making a significant impact on the state’s healthcare workforce.

For more information about BridgeValley’s Nursing program, please visit bridgevalley.edu, contact the Admissions Office at [email protected], or call 304-205-6600.