Columbia College–Lake of the Ozarks Nursing Program receives full approval by Missouri State Board of Nursing

Columbia College–Lake of the Ozarks Nursing Program receives full approval by Missouri State Board of Nursing

Columbia College–Lake of the Ozarks student nurses
Taylor Raube (standing) and Mel Wilson carry out
vital signs screenings and patient education
at Community Day 2010.

Columbia College is pleased to announce that the Lake of the Ozark’s nursing program has received full approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The approval showcases the outstanding growth the program has displayed since originating in 2005 and the commitment to the constant evolution of a top-quality curriculum.

“For five years, Columbia College and Lake Regional Health Systems have worked together to support and grow our nursing program. This full approval represents the success the program has had and the hard work of our faculty, staff and students,” Columbia College–Lake Ozark Director Dr. John Keeney said. “Our mission is to provide quality nurses for the lake area and wherever quality health care providers are needed.”

The program has produced over 165 nurses during its tenure, with 74 of those graduates going on to work at Lake Regional Health Systems with 65 alums still on staff today. The May 2010 nursing class consisted of 24 members, which represented 26 percent of all graduates in May, pointing to the growing popularity of the program.

“The program’s status change from initial to full approval from the State Board of nursing is a tremendous step in our long-range plans,” said Linda Claycomb, director of the nursing program. “We are constantly evaluating our faculty, staff, curriculum and outcomes in an effort to provide our students with the best education possible. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated team we have in place and the administrative support given to the nursing program.”