"Both programs have a well-deserved reputation for the quality of their graduates," said Art Doloresco, Chief Executive Officer of Danville Regional. "The programs produce graduates that help meet shortages for nurses and radiologic technologists for Danville Regional and other healthcare providers in the area."

With the outstanding quality of the programs, Danville Regional is evaluating "opportunities to expand to help meet the needs of healthcare providers in other areas," Doloresco continued. The evaluation of this opportunity is in an early phase, and there has been no date set for implementation.

"An expansion of the current programs would enable the School of Health Professionals to grow into new markets and help meet the shortage of healthcare workers in new ways," said Doloresco. "Using 21st century technology and the proven program of Danville Regional as a foundation offers exciting possibilities."

Nursing students who graduate from Danville Regional's program have an outstanding record of passing their RN board examination. In 2006, 97 percent of students passed their exam on the first attempt - a mark that exceeds the state average of. 84 percent, reports Kamela Deel, Director of Nursing Programs. "Our graduates have scored consistently higher than the state and national averages since 2001," she added.

The School of Health Professionals at Danville Regional began with a registered diploma nursing program in l898.