Registered Nurses (RN) assess,
diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate the nursing
needs of patients. The role of the RN is to be a healthcare
advocate to ensure that the physical and emotional
needs of patients are being met. RNs coordinate the care
provided by social, dietary, cardiopulmonary, physical
therapy, radiological, and spiritual services.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) work under the direction of a Registered
Nurse or Physician to provide nursing care for patients
with a variety of medical problems. MECC’s Practical
Nursing program is approved by the Virginia State Board
of Nursing.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) provide physical, bedside care to patients.
MECC’s Health Care Technician program, approved by
the Virginia State Board of Nursing, prepares students
for careers as CNAs.
Credentials
- RN
MECC Nursing graduates receive an Associate of
Applied Science degree and are prepared for
the National Council Licensure Examination -
Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
- LPN & CNA
Students in MECC’s Health Care Technician program are
prepared for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program
(NNAAP) examination for certification in the
Commonwealth of Virginia. MECC’s Practical Nursing
graduates are prepared for the National Council Licensure
Examination - Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN).
Salary
- The entry-level salary for LPNs in southwest
Virginia is over $21,000.
- Entry-level salaries for RNs in southwest Virginia and
northeast Tennessee range from $31,000 to $35,000.
Advancement
- Using MECC’s LPN to RN Bridge program, practical
nurses may continue their nursing studies to
become registered nurses.
- Registered nurses may advance into supervision and
management or specialized areas of practice.
Education can extend to the B.S.N., M.S.N.,
and doctorate levels.
Employers want nurses who:
- Are skilled in theory and clinical procedures.
- Have excellent communication skills.
- Have excellent interpersonal skills.
- Have excellent critical thinking and problemsolving
skills.
- Work as a health care team member.
- Possess professional ethics and integrity.
Employment Outlook
The need for nurses is growing in acute, long-term,
and home-health care as technology advances and
health needs expand. Employment opportunities
are available in hospitals, clinics, long-term care
facilities, and physicians’ offices.
RN Accreditation
MECC’s nursing program is part of the Virginia Appalachian
Tricollege Nursing Program (VATNP) - www.vhcc.
edu/vatnp/default.htm. VATNP is accredited by the National
League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and
approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing.
Student Spotlight
 |
Mitch Kennedy is a
graduate of MECC’s Nursing program. He is an RN, Director
of Surgical Services at Norton Community Hospital in Norton,
VA. |
 |
Peggy Pendleton
is a graduate of
MECC’s Practical
Nursing program.
She is an LPN
with the Brian
Center Health &
Rehabilitation in
Weber City, VA. |
You will find other MECC graduates at:
Brian Center Health & Rehabilitation,
Dickenson County Health Department,
Dickenson County Hospital,
Heritage Hall Health Care — Big Stone Gap/Wise,
Holston Medical Group,
Johnson City Medical Center Hospital,
Johnston Memorial Hospital,
Lee County Health Department,
Lee Nursing and Rehabilitation Center,
Mountain View Regional Medical Center,
Ridgecrest Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation,
Sunbridge Health Care Brookhaven,
Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center,
Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital & Medical Center,
Wellmont Lee Regional Medical Center,
Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital,
Wellmont Mountain View Regional Hospital
Professional Organizations
Additional Links & Documents
Contact MECC 
