Stories @ TCAT

Dickson, TN, April 4, 2017:  

For more than 50 years, a practical nursing program has been located at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology.  Over 2,000 individuals have completed their nursing education and gone on to successful careers as LPNs in Dickson and surrounding counties.

Currently, nursing classes begin in January and May at the Dickson location.  Beginning in September, a third nursing class will be offered.  Laura Travis, TCAT Dickson’s Academic Affairs/Health Careers Coordinator, states “The September nursing class at our Dickson location will provide additional opportunities for area residents to enter the healthcare field.  The practical nursing program has enjoyed many years of success, and we are looking forward to preparing our future LPNs for long nursing careers.”

The nursing program is one year in length.   During the year, students have classroom instruction and lab activities.  Clinical rotations are a significant component of the program, with students being placed in area healthcare facilities for clinical experiences in medical/surgical, geriatrics, pediatrics, maternal health, and mental health nursing.  At the conclusion of the nursing program, graduates of the program are eligible to apply to the State of Tennessee for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nursing. 

In 2016, 100% of the Dickson nursing graduates passed the national licensure exam required for the LPN license, and over 92% of the graduates were employed in the nursing field within six months of graduation.  Graduates are employed in hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics and medical offices, home health agencies, schools, industries, correctional facilities, and other health care areas.  Many graduates continue their nursing education to become a Registered Nurse.

To apply for the September nursing class, individuals must first attend an information session.  Sessions will be held at the TCAT Dickson on the following dates/times:

Wednesday, May 3rd at 2 p.m.

Monday, May 15th at 12 noon

Friday, May 19th at 2 p.m.

At the information session, applicants will receive all the necessary information and applications to apply for the nursing program.  Financial aid options will be discussed.  Appointments are not needed to apply for the information sessions.

Work is currently underway on a new nursing/allied health building at the campus.  Dr. Arrita Summers, the Director of the TCAT Dickson, states “It is an exciting time with the construction of the new health building.  The new lab and classroom spaces will offer area residents an advanced training environment that will prepare them for a future in nursing.”

In addition to the three classes offered at the Dickson campus, the TCAT offers practical nursing classes at its Clarksville and Franklin locations.

Summary / Closing

TCAT Dickson is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and complies with non-discrimination laws: Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA. Located on Highway 46 in Dickson, the technical training college also has extension campuses in Clarksville, Ashland City, and Franklin. Additional information about the school is located at www.TCATDickson.edu.