Halifax Community College will soon offer evening classes for its Practical Nursing Program, to accommodate working individuals who are interested in pursuing nursing education. 

This expansion is supported by a $400,000 grant awarded to HCC through the State Board of Community Colleges Allocation for High-Cost Workforce Start-Up and Expansion Fund.

The decision to introduce evening classes was made in response to the growing demand from individuals who have work commitments but aspire to become nurses. 

The expansion of practical nursing to include evening classes presents a transformative opportunity for those who require flexibility, the college said. “For working adults, being able to balance work, family, and education is crucial. Evening classes provide the necessary flexibility to achieve this. By scheduling classes during evening hours, HCC caters to the diverse needs of the community and student body, ensuring that education remains accessible to all.”

With the introduction of evening classes, HCC's Practical Nursing Program can now accommodate a significantly larger cohort of students, increasing the student intake from 18 to 33. 

Furthermore, HCC's Nursing Department is investing in advanced high-fidelity simulation equipment to augment the learning experience for students. “This state-of-the-art equipment will replicate real-world healthcare scenarios, allowing students to develop and refine their skills in a controlled environment,” the college said. “By providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, HCC ensures that its students are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare settings with competence and confidence.”

HCC President Patrena Benton Elliott said, "We understand the challenges faced by working adults who aspire to pursue nursing education, and we are dedicated to supporting them every step of the way. Accessible education has a far-reaching impact on the economy. Offering night classes will help to increase the nursing workforce and facilitate economic growth and prosperity within the community.”

Sarah R. Harris, program director of nursing, said, "We are deeply grateful for the support from the State Board of Community Colleges Allocation for High-Cost Workforce Start-Up and Expansion Fund. By providing flexible scheduling options, our goal is to remove obstacles to education and enable working learners to pursue their aspirations of becoming nurses.”