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Lees-McRae College Announces May School of Nursing and Allied Health, Across from NC 194 Entrance

Aug. 17, 2012. Based on student interest, marketplace demand and the generous donation from Daniel and Dianne May, Lees-McRae College is pleased to offer undergraduate degree programs in Nursing and Allied Health, pending accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

President Barry M. Buxton announced the plans last Wednesday evening to friends and alumni during a reception at the home of Daniel and Dianne May. 

“We believe the May School of Nursing and Allied Health can be an important tipping point in the continuing revitalization of Lees-McRae College. There is great student interest in nursing and no shortage of demand for additional health care professionals,” said Buxton.  “This new program will benefit the College and the community by elevating health care in Southern Appalachia. We are grateful to Daniel and Dianne May for their love of Lees-McRae College and their transformational support.”

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), employment for RNs who hold a BSN degree is expected to grow by 22% between 2008 and 2018.  In addition, the AACN reports that many healthcare institutions are now requiring RNs to hold a B.S. degree in nursing in order to be hired, sustain employment, and/or to qualify for promotion.  This data warrants offering a pre-licensure undergraduate nursing program.

Groundbreaking construction for the May School of Nursing and Allied Health will begin as early as spring 2013 on the campus of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk.  A new 18,000 sq. ft. facility will be constructed directly across from the main entrance to campus and the Chaffee Administration Building on NC Hwy. 194. 

This state-of-the-art facility will ensure adequate lab space and technology in order to successfully administer the Nursing Program.  The facility plan includes two classrooms, a technology lab, two labs for nursing and allied health and six faculty offices. Until the building is complete, pre-requisite courses will be delivered in an alternative academic facility.

The curriculum will meet the requirements of CCNE accreditation.  Nursing students will be required to take biology, chemistry, statistics and psychology classes as pre-requisites for entering the Nursing Program, in addition to their general education requirements.  Full admittance into the Nursing Program will take place during the sophomore year of study.  All nursing students are required to obtain their Certified Nursing Assistance certificate prior to admission into the program along with other academic requirements. 

Allied health professions are developing at a rapid rate as the demands of the healthcare industry become more diverse.  Lees-McRae College currently offers Athletic Training, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, and Pre-Health Sciences.  Possible offerings within the allied health field will fall into the categories of physician assistant, wilderness medicine, community health and physical therapy. 

Interested students are encouraged to apply online at www.go.lmc.edu/apply for Fall 2013. 

For more information on Nursing, Allied Health and other programs at Lees-McRae College, please visit www.go.lmc.edu/nursingandalliedhealth, complete an inquiry form at www.go.lmc.edu/admissions or contact Admissions at 800-280-4LMC or admissions@lmc.edu.