The Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate program at Alaska Pacific University (APU) has been recognized with accreditation by the Accreditation Commission on Education (ACEN). The program is the only one of its kind in Alaska and is renowned for its integration of culturally safe health care practices throughout the curriculum.
The program and governing organization’s mission and philosophy of educating Alaskans and meeting students where they are to provide culturally safe education was evident in every interaction with university and program representatives, students, community partners, and communities of interest.
APU has partnered with community organizations, including Yuut Elitnaurviat and the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, to offer LPN training in Bethel and Fairbanks, with plans to expand to Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, and Juneau in the next year. The LPN program is instrumental in addressing Alaska’s nursing shortage and is part of APU’s larger mission to serve the workforce development needs of the state.
“We are very excited to support the Practical Nursing program’s development and host classes on our campus. The students and new LPNs from APU’s program are having an immediate impact on our community,” said Mike Hoffman, Executive Director, Yuut Elitnaurviat.
The LPN program was launched after Yuut Elitnaurviat wrote the US Department of Education Alaska Native Education grant, recognizing a need for culturally responsive nursing education in the community clinics, Elder’s Home, and other healthcare facilities. APU partnered with Yuut to develop an accredited program that met this need.
“Yuut Elitnaurviat recognized a need in the community clinics, Elder’s Homes, and other healthcare facilities, and we were excited to work with them to develop a culturally responsive program. We are also grateful to the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation for hosting clinical learning experiences for our students,” said Dr. Hilton, APU Provost.
Funding from the Alaska Native Education grant and Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity was used to purchase equipment and renovate clinical simulation facilities in Bethel. APU faculty members also travel to Bethel every other week to teach and advise students.
The ACEN accreditation process includes a year-long self-study, an evaluation site visit by peer reviewers, and an assessment by the ACEN commissioners. Accreditation is conferred on programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards for educational quality. APU’s associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Nursing were initially accredited by ACEN last spring.
“We are so proud of the APU practical nurses from Bethel! Not only have 100% of the graduates passed the national licensing exam for practical nursing, the NCLEX-PN, on the first try, but they have also demonstrated a strong commitment to their communities through service projects and sharing Yup’ik language, knowledge, and culture in the program,” said Dr. Diane Droutman, Associate Professor of Nursing, Alaska Pacific University.
