New practical nursing cohort begins at ECTC Leitchfield campus

Faculty and staff at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Leitchfield Campus welcomed five new practical nursing students Thursday, hosting orientation for the one-year program.

Launched last year, the practical nursing program at the Leitchfield Campus meets a critical workforce need, preparing students to work in long-term care facilities, physicians’ offices, home health, clinics and other healthcare settings.  

“Practical nursing is a wonderful option for aspiring nurses who want to get into the workforce and improve their earnings sooner,” said ECTC Nursing Program Director Gina Leigh. “In one year, our students are ready to begin personally and financially rewarding careers in one of the nation’s most trusted and respected professions.”

Alyssa Beck is among the new practical nursing students. At 26, she has certified nursing assistant experience and currently works in a physician’s office. The ECTC program allows her to take her passion for helping others to the next level, she said.  

“I love helping people,” she said. “You create a bond with people through caring for them and they become family.”

Another new student, Jill Pollock, has always worked in a non-healthcare field and realized her aptitude for healthcare after her brother suffered a stroke.  

“I started caregiving for him, and it changed my whole life,” the 47-year-old said. “When they started this program, I knew it was for me. I made a list of everything I needed to get here.”

Practical nursing is a selective admissions program, and applicants must complete prerequisite classes and attend a pre-admission conference before applying. For a list of admission requirements and conference dates, visit ectc.us/nursing.

“For those interested in entering the program in Fall 2027, now is a great time to start planning,” Leigh said.