LAHARPE — Nursing classes will be introduced in the fall at LaHarpe Regional Rural Technical Center.
Ray Maloney, who owns the old Diebolt Lumber complex that now houses RRTC’s classes, announced the new program Wednesday at the LaHarpe City Council meeting.
As with the welding, construction trades, and wind farm technology courses, the nursing curriculum will be taught by area college instructors.
This marks the fourth consecutive year a new program will be introduced to the tech center.
Construction trades were offered in 2016, the year the center opened. Welding courses were added in year two; wind farm classes this year.
Maloney credited Iola High School counselor Melissa Stiffler for her work to get the nursing program started at RRTC.
“She wouldn’t give up,” Maloney said. “She’s just like a bulldog.”
Stacey Fager, USD 257 superintendent of schools, said a few more things need to be done before the memorandum of understanding is signed to make the nursing program official.
Neosho County Community College, which is offering the program, is advertising for an instructor, and school districts are enrolling students this spring “so we’ll get an idea of what we have,” Fager said. The program will prepare students for entry-level positions such as becoming a certified nursing aide.
“We’re really excited,” Fager said. “We’re moving to get things in line to remodel that area. We’re full speed ahead. It’s been a need for our students to have these opportunities so we’re really excited.”
WORK ALSO is progressing on the first of what Maloney hopes are several mini homes through the construction trades program.
Students should have the home finished by the end of the school year.
Maloney is paying for the first home, and plans to set it somewhere in LaHarpe and put it up for bid.
Mayor Mae Crowell told Maloney the city is nearly ready to approve an ordinance allowing such structures.
The 544-square-foot home will feature two bedrooms.
Maloney invited the public to pay a visit to RRTC any morning between 8;15 and 10:15 a.m. to monitor the home’s progress.
