POTSDAM -- Rochester Regional Health has announced the extension of the Isabella Graham Hart School (IGH) of Practical Nursing to three regions in New York State.

The additional sites with St. Lawrence Health in St. Lawrence County, Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic in Ontario County, and United Memorial Medical Center in Genesee County will create a pipeline for future nurses amid a nationwide shortage and increase diversity in the healthcare industry.

These locations will increase student enrollment to 60 more students per year within the school which is based in Irondequoit at the College of Health Careers. The sites are expected to open in January 2022, and the Potsdam location will be Old Snell Hall, 41 Elm St.

“The addition of these sites will address the critical need for nurses across the State by bringing education to students in the area in which they live,” said Eric Bieber, MD, president and CEO of Rochester Regional Health. “Nurses have always been a crucial part of healthcare, and the pandemic highlighted more than ever their pivotal role in caring for patients and creating a healthier community.”

"Offering classes in different areas creates a more diverse pool of new nurses to take care of a diverse population,” said Deborah Stamps, EdD, RN, Rochester Regional executive vice president, College of Health president, and chief nursing education and diversity officer. “It creates opportunities for individuals from all areas and backgrounds to begin a rewarding career in healthcare that they may not have had access to before. It will establish a more robust pool of professionals to make sure all people get the care they need whenever they need it.”

The Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing extension sites will:

Provide nursing career advancement

Community members and employees looking for opportunities to advance their careers in healthcare have a pathway to success with Certified Nurse Aide (CAN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Registered Nurse (RN) Associate programs.

Prepare and promote the next generation of nurses

The average age of the nursing workforce is 58 with significant retirements upcoming.

RRH-combined programs create a talent pipeline to help fill future workforce needs in the community.

Have a positive impact on the local economy

Graduates of the program can enter the workforce immediately, obtaining high-paying jobs with positive economic impact.

Providing economic mobility and support

Ensure our patients receive high quality, compassionate care today and into the future

The 10-month IGH program, accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), grants LPN Certificates entitling graduates to take their NCLEX Practical Nurse licensure exam. For LPNs who wish to advance their careers as RNs, the RRH College of Health offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program fully accredited by the New York State Department of Education.

For more information and to apply to the program, visit https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/school-practical-nursing.