As part of the nationwide celebration of Community College Month, New River Community and Technical College is proud to announce the expansion of its Practical Nursing (PN) Program to Mercer County, with a new cohort launching this fall in partnership with the Mercer County Technical Education Center.
This exciting expansion is more than just a new program offering – it’s a powerful example of how community colleges like New River CTC serve as engines of opportunity, workforce development, and community care in southern West Virginia.
For more than 20 years, New River CTC has provided accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to students in underserved rural areas. The college’s Practical Nursing Program is one of many initiatives helping to fill critical workforce gaps while empowering students to stay, work, and thrive in their own communities.
“Community colleges are built to respond to the needs of the regions we serve,” said JoAnna Perry, MSN, RN, Director of New River’s Practical Nursing Program. “By expanding to Mercer County, we’re meeting both the desire of students for flexible, career-focused education and the urgent healthcare needs of our local hospitals and long-term care facilities.”
The new evening and weekend cohort in Mercer County will help address a growing shortage of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) across the state. In Mercer County alone, there are projected to be 118 job openings annually through 2030. With 1 in 5 LPNs nearing retirement age, New River CTC is stepping up to ensure communities are not left without essential care providers.
The PN Program has already seen success across Raleigh, Greenbrier, Nicholas, and Summers counties, graduating over 500 students since its start. Known for innovation, New River CTC’s PN program was the first in West Virginia to be based within a community college, the first to offer distance learning, and the first to earn ACEN accreditation. In 2024, it celebrated a 96.4% NCLEX pass rate and a 95.2% job placement rate.
In keeping with the college’s mission to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world, the program is also incorporating virtual reality, concept-based learning, and the ATI Engage Series to enhance student learning and outcomes.
The new Mercer County cohort will accept up to 20 students annually. Applicants must meet GPA and TEAS exam requirements. Clinical experiences will be offered in partnership with trusted community healthcare providers, including WVU Princeton Community Hospital, Princeton Health Care Center, and Raleigh General Hospital.
As Community College Month celebrates the value, accessibility, and transformative power of two-year institutions, New River CTC remains committed to uplifting its students and strengthening the communities it calls home.
For more information about the Mercer County cohort, contact JoAnna Perry at jperry@newriver.edu or 304-883-2429.
