In June 2023, the Crawford County Career and Technical Center announced plans to close their Practical Nursing Program. The loss of that program would likely have had a lasting and profound impact on the sustainability of our local workforce of nurses during a time when there is a significant shortage of nurses regionally and nationally. Here in Crawford County, that impact is compounded by the fact that we live in a rural and largely underserved area, facing significant recruitment challenges on a daily basis.
Meadville Medical Center’s Mission Statement is: “Your independent community health system dedicated to providing high quality, innovative and affordable healthcare for the well-being of our community.” Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are essential to preserve the ability to care for our community now and for years to come. The idea to take over this program aligned with MMC’s mission. Through the generosity of the Crawford County Commissioners, as well as Senator Michelle Brooks, Meadville Medical Center was able to take ownership of Crawford Tech’s Practical Nursing Program and in an incredibly short amount of time, created the Institute for Healthcare Professionals.
On September 30 2024, IHP commenced the first class of practical nurses, and a year later on Friday, October 3, 2025 in a ceremony at Allegheny College, this class of 11 students graduated with 100% job placement! These practical nurses will be working for Meadville Medical Center, local skilled nursing facilities, and VNA Alliance.
