News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
New state money headed to TCAT Upper Cumberland to promote the nursing programs across rural areas.
UCAT Upper Cumberland President Cliff Wightman said the apprenticeship programs will provide students with hands-on training and career pathways for aspiring Licensed Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. Wightman said the overall goal of the programs show people that there are professional opportunities available in rural counties.
“We have students that finish programs and some of them are out and are not aware of the opportunities that’s local and they leave,” Wightman said. “Chances are you never getting that person back. So it is also an expansion on awareness of what rural communities can achieve with programs like this.”
Wightman also said expanding LPN training into rural areas marks a significant win for healthcare in the region.
“It’s a good thing because hey, at the end of the day, we know this, Healthcare is always going to be a need regardless,” Wightman said. “And this grant that were so fortunate to working with the Governors office and the State of Tennessee to get these things rolling.”
Wightman said partnering with healthcare providers, allows for a better staff. Wightman said he is aiming to have all four facilities fully staffed. Wightman also said having facilities staffed will create a cycle that provides healthcare to more people.
“If they see we got qualified people here local, maybe the company, whatever the healthcare provider company is, that they can see maybe there’s a chance for us to grow larger, and then that in turn allows us to train more people,” Wightman said. “So it’s just a constant cycle with the expansion in rural communities.”
Whiteman said the $261,795 grant will support the four counties served by TCAT Upper Cumberland.
