In a milestone achievement this past December, Foundation Health Partners (FHP) proudly welcomed the first graduating class of the ACEN-accredited Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Alaska Pacific University (APU). This groundbreaking program, developed in collaboration with the Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association, marks a significant step forward in providing quality healthcare education to Interior Alaska residents. The success of this partnership is highlighted by the fact that multiple graduates have secured permanent positions with Foundation Health Partners, showcasing the program's commitment to preparing students for real-world success.

At the heart of this program's success lies its innovative and flexible approach to education. The hybrid format combines online lectures, recorded for convenience, with in-person, hands-on instruction in simulation labs and clinical areas. This structure allows students to balance their studies with other responsibilities, catering to the diverse needs of Interior Alaska residents.

The LPN program at APU is designed to equip students with essential nursing skills and cultivate a deep understanding of cultural safety, particularly for rural and Alaska Native populations. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based, patient-centered care that spans the entire lifespan and diverse healthcare settings. By preparing students to provide culturally safe care, the program ensures that graduates are ready to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of their communities.

Throughout the two semesters, students engage in culturally relevant care activities that enhance their ability to make patient-centered decisions within the practical nursing scope. The program teaches patient advocacy, family incorporation, and recognition of diverse groups, promoting self-determination, integrity, and growth as human beings. By respecting the diversity of individuals, graduates are poised to address the unique healthcare needs of Alaska native, indigenous, and underserved populations.

2023 Graduating LPN Class and Instructors

A key focus of the LPN program is the development of clinical judgment, empowering students to make informed and patient-centered care decisions. The curriculum emphasizes communication and collaboration skills, preparing graduates to work seamlessly within healthcare teams in professional settings. By incorporating evidence-based methods, assessments, technologies, and management systems, students learn to guide and communicate decisions that promote optimal outcomes for patients.

The graduation of the first class from the ACEN-accredited LPN program at Alaska Pacific University marks a momentous occasion for healthcare education in Interior Alaska. The success of graduates securing permanent positions with Foundation Health Partners underscores the program's commitment to excellence and community impact. As these skilled professionals step into the healthcare field, they carry with them the values of cultural safety, patient-centered care, and collaboration instilled by the LPN program at APU. Talent Development Manager Karen Lapp shared, “We wish our first graduates the best of luck and thank them for standing with us as we built a program from the ground up. FHP Talent Development is proud to have created another entry point into a nursing career for employees and community members, and we look forward to the contributions everyone will make to the community. APU is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2024 cohort, and we encourage interested employees to contact us if they have questions about applying or need help with the process.” This milestone is not just a celebration of academic achievement but a testament to the program's dedication to advancing the health and well-being of diverse communities.

FHP strongly encourages our own employees and community members interested in furthering and advancing their careers to consider the ACEN-accredited Licensed Practical Nursing Program. 

To learn more, please visit www.foundationhealth.org/fhp_careers/student_services/practical_nurse_certificate or www.alaskapacific.edu/programs/licensed-practical-nursing/.