ARNEC Improves Education Delivery

The Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium has announced an alternative course delivery in addition to the current face-to-face education being offered for the fall semester.

The Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) is a group of eight community colleges that collaborated to provide students an opportunity for an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing.  Students who are already accepted will benefit from the new learning delivery offered in the fall.  Many of the courses are taught using an interactive video delivery for lectures; however, this fall will feature face-to-face instruction and a live streaming option for a hybrid component for some classes. Students will be allowed to choose the delivery method they prefer on specific days.   The hybrid incorporates students remotely accessing live lectures online.

The deadline for applications is August 31, 2015.  Classes start in January for new students and they will include course work as well as on-site clinical work in nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics.  In January, face-to-face delivery will be an option for one class per week.

“ARNEC is such a great option for students who want to earn a degree,” said Crystal Gillihan, ARNEC Director.  “We are constantly striving to find the best way to educate our students.  We have a tradition of our students being successful.   They are employed quickly after graduation in both acute care and long-term care settings.  However, the medical field is constantly changing; we have to continually strive to maintain our competitive edge and continue to improve our student’s preparedness for the work force. ”

Student applications for the program can be submitted online and obtained from the consortium’s website: www.arnec.org.  The applications are due by August 31, 2015 for the class beginning in January 2016.  The website also has details and a complete description of the application process, requirements and program contacts.