Image courtesy of Manor College
The new fall program has an official home.
At a ceremony more than two years in the making, Manor College officially cut the ribbon on its new Nursing Skills Lab. The room was developed to help educate students in Manor’s new Practical Nursing program, which debuted in Fall 2024.
“This program is going to be transformational in the lives of our students, who will have this opportunity at a time when nursing is so desperately needed in our region and in our country,” Dr. Jonathan Peri, President of Manor College said. “This program gives opportunities for our students to move quickly into their careers. With our associate’s degree, it gives students the ability to scaffold their education and get to the next level in their careers.
Those cutting the ribbon with Dr. Peri included Dr. Marti Trudeau, the Program Director for Practical Nursing, Pennsylvania State Senator Art Haywood (PA-04) and Mark Baiada, the Founder of BAYADA Home Health Care. Baiada and his wife Ann donated state-of-the-art patient simulator mannequin technology for optimal skills training.
Talking to the program’s cohort of 28 students, Baiada said, “When you leave here, you’ll be prepared to go onto the floors, represent nursing and make a real difference in the world. This is a first-class program you joined. Learn as much as you can because when you get out there, the world is going to need you.”
Senator Haywood added, “I want to thank the students. Your work will help them come out of pain, help patients to see who they are and who they can be after they leave nursing care.”
Vanessa Calderon is a Practical Nursing major who came to the program to learn the basics before continuing her education to become a registered nurse.
“I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare growing up,” Calderon said. “After high school, I went on a hunt to work at a nursing home, but I didn’t have experience I’m very happy that I am able to experience being in the practical nursing program.”
Calderon believes the lab is a great chance to expand her own skills.
“I thought the skills lab is a great way to get hands-on learning and build confidence before starting clinical rotation in January,” Calderon said. “I can’t wait to see what’s in store for my future.”
Manor College’s Practical Nursing program began this Fall after two years of work. The institution received its final approval from the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing in June.
The program leads students to an Associate of Science degree and eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). Practical nurses are supervised by a higher-level licensed provider, usually a registered nurse or a medical doctor. They provide basic nursing care and are able to be certified in other tasks like IV therapy. The program is a steppingstone for upward mobility in the community.
“It provides a new option for our student population, one that can be a game changer,” Dr. Trudeau said. “With 15 months of education, graduates will enter the workforce making close to $50,000 a year. With the many academic and social supports available, students will have every opportunity to do well in this rigorous program.
