(Lewiston, ID) Lewis-Clark State College was recently recognized by the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP) as one of a select number of schools that have been vetted and approved by the U.S. Army Nurse Corps.
The announcement, which was sent out U.S. Army-wide, listed LC State among 11 institutions nationwide as preferred schools for the AECP program. The program, which is within the Army, allows active duty service members to attend college, obtain a nursing degree, and re-enter the service as a commissioned officer.
“We are very proud of this partnership and recognition,” LC State President Cynthia Pemberton said. “Not only is LC State a healthcare education leader in north Idaho, but our value and quality is truly recognized nationally. We welcome active duty service members to our nursing program and know they will excel here.”
According to the AECP, approved schools must allow students to obtain a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) within 24-months, be within a 100-mile radius of a military treatment facility for students to receive medical benefits, not exceed $15,000 per year in tuition fees, and must be accredited with a first-time NCLEX pass rate of 90% or higher for the last three consecutive years.
“I’m truly glad I chose Lewis-Clark State College to earn my BSN degree,” said Shnightdine Aristil, a senior from West Palm Beach, Florida, in the nursing program at LC State and participant in the AECP program. “From the moment I arrived, I’ve felt welcomed by the teachers and embraced by the close-knit community. Both students and faculty genuinely care for one another, creating a supportive and uplifting environment. The convenience of having an on-campus daycare has been perfect for my family, allowing me to focus on my classes with peace of mind, knowing my children are nearby. LCSC feels like a hidden gem for students, and I would highly recommend it to anyone pursuing a nursing degree or any other career path.”
The AECP is one of three programs LC State works in conjunction with. It also works with the Air Force’s Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program and the Navy’s Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program to allow Air Force and Navy service members to have the same opportunity. A consistent increase in enrolled participants of these three programs has been seen at LC State over the last three years.
To learn more about the nursing program and its requirements visit: www.lcsc.edu/nursing/nursing-
