The first nursing program in Lynchburg was established over 100 years ago. Now with more than 300 students enrolled, Centra College of Nursing is on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19. Throughout this challenging year, they have continued to pursue excellence and innovation.
History
Established in 1912, the first nursing program was established “to meet a vital community need for professional nurses in Lynchburg and surrounding areas”, according to Lauren Campbell, current admissions director. Over the years, the programs have grown, and have now expanded to include a Certified Nurse Aide program, a Practical Nursing program, an Associate Degree of Nursing program and an online RN to BSN program.
Facility
First renovated in 2010, rapid growth in recent years has enabled an expansion, utilizing funding such as the State Enterprise Zone program. This funding has helped to create a new lab and simulation area which “has over 15,000 square feet of simulated environments” so that students can practice as though they are in a real-life clinical situation. Simulations areas include ICU, patient care, and labor & delivery among others, along with a full size helicopter and ambulance. Utilizing a mix of actors portraying patients and life-like mannequins that can actually bleed, receive treatment and even be resuscitated, Centra College of Nursing students are exposed to every possible situation they may encounter in an actual medical event.
Enrollment
The staff and students are some of the most dedicated anywhere; many of the staff has been there since the building was first renovated in 2010. There are currently over 320 active students enrolled throughout these programs, ranging from those who are just out of high school to those choosing to start a second career. Each of these students is willingly training everyday in the midst of a global pandemic.
Dedicated to our City and our region, Centra College of Nusing brings health care workers directly into our community. With an almost 90% success rate in job placement, the current students will be our frontline workers in the coming months and years, as we move out of this pandemic and into a new phase of life.
The critical training and instruction they receive now will directly impact our entire community for years to come.
Now, more than ever, we want to say THANK YOU to these healthcare heroes, dedicating their lives to teaching, to learning and to healing. Lynchburg is stronger because of you.
Interested in learning more? Nursing programs admit classes twice per year, in January and August. Centra College of Nursing