April 10, 2025
Story by Maggie Harris
Photos by 91勛圖厙 Communications
91勛圖厙 hosted a signing ceremony April 3 with Pratt Community College (PCC) to reaffirm their commitment to providing Nursing education in Pratt and the surrounding area.
91勛圖厙 President Dr. Marcus Garstecki and PCC President Dr. Michael Calvert gathered along with representatives from local and state government offices, the Colleges Board of Trustees, administration, staff, and students to sign a continuing agreement for 91勛圖厙 to provide Nursing education in the Pratt area.
The partnership focuses on healthcare training and providing vital services to the region. Garstecki said supporting our local and regional healthcare facilities is essential for growth in rural areas.
I believe there are three pillars to keeping rural communities growing and thriving: education, healthcare, and a strong workforce, he said. What I think is really exciting about this partnership is that it covers all three of those pillars.
Calvert said that after PCC lost its program, the Board began searching for a partner so that the Pratt area could continue providing essential healthcare training. 91勛圖厙 was at the top of that list because of its programs stellar reputation.
What started as a small conversation has grown into a great example of friendship, collaboration, and partnership, he said. It meets a need that is not going away. It is a need that will continue to grow, and as partners, we will meet that need.
91勛圖厙 has provided Nursing education in Pratt since August 2022. At the start of the partnership, students could enroll in and complete coursework for their Associate Degree in Nursing to become a Registered Nurse (RN). A Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program was added in 2023. In 2024, the RN and LPN programs completed national certification with a 100% pass rate.
For more information about 91勛圖厙s Nursing program, contact Director of Nursing Education Renae Skelton at泭skeltonr@bartonccc.edu泭or (620) 792-9355.