ETA New Releases, Employment & Training Administration (ETA)

ETA News Release: [July 13, 2006]
Contact Name: Mike Volpe David James
Phone Number: (202) 693-3984 (202) 693-4676

Ohio University-Chillicothe and Berger Health System Receive Recognition of Excellence Honor

Third Annual Awards Presented at Workforce Innovations 2006 in Anaheim, Calif.

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio - The Ohio University-Chillicothe/Berger Health System Associate Degree Nursing Program received the top Recognition of Excellence (ROE) honor in the "Educating America's 21st Century Workforce" category at the Workforce Innovations 2006 Conference in Anaheim, Calif. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco presented the third annual ROE honors, which recognize workforce investment system programs from around the nation that have achieved outstanding success.

"Recognition of Excellence honorees are proof of the workforce system's capacity to develop new and innovative approaches for preparing workers to compete in the global economy," said DeRocco. "Every year, ROE honorees offer examples of job training and education programs that meet the needs of local and regional economies and can be replicated throughout the country."

The Employment and Training Administration presents ROE honors in five categories. The "Educating America's 21st Century Workforce" category recognizes innovative and effective strategies to prepare workers for the challenges of a workforce that requires higher skills and more education.

In the fall of 2002, Ohio University-Chillicothe began to develop a nursing school in the local area to attract workers for the community hospital. Within six months, a nursing school was in place. A close relationship with the community hospital allowed the nursing school to conduct classes at the hospital, thereby doubling its nursing student capacity.

The new associate degree program reached a capacity in its first year and maintained an 86% student retention rate, exceeding that of many local and national benchmarks. The program also demonstrated the ability to fill vacancies at the community hospital. From the first class of 19 students, 16 graduates were hired by the local community hospital. Plans are currently underway to develop a baccalaureate program in nursing, a high school feeder program as well as other enhancements.

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