KLAMATH FALLS — Klamath Community College’s Licensed Practical Nursing program has been recognized as a top program in Oregon for 2026 by PracticalNursing.org, a national organization that follows LPN studies. It ranks KCC’s program as No. 2 in Oregon. PracticalNursing is a trusted source for information on nursing education, licensure and careers. Since 2014, it has published annual rankings recognizing nursing programs that demonstrate excellence in preparing the next generation of nurses. “Congratulations to the Practical Nursing faculty at Klamath Community College. Your concept-based curriculum and focus on rural community healthcare prepare students to meet the real needs of underserved areas across south central Oregon. It is a privilege to recognize the quality of your program,” Carly Jacobs, outreach coordinator for PracticalNursing, wrote to the college. KCC’s nursing program originated with LPN studies, then went on hiatus when the RN program started up. The LPN program restarted in 2022. “We have a 100% pass rate on the Practical Nursing licensure exam” said KCC Nursing Director Dr. Dorothy Neufeld. “We generally take in eight students into the LPN program, but plan to expand that to 16 for the 2027 school year,” Neufeld said. Most students opt to continue on to the RN program once they complete their LPN, she said. Once a student’s prerequisites are done, they can prepare for LPN licensure over three college terms. “So, you can start at the end of September and by the second week of June you are graduating and able to sit for your boards,” Neufeld said. “That’s not a bad turn-around time to a career in healthcare, especially for individuals who need that financial stability.”

LPNs are in high demand at regional hospitals. An LPN can work at a local hospital, long term care facility, in hospice, behavioral health or a multitude of other settings.

“If you want to become an LPN in Oregon, finding the right program is a big step. At practicalnursing.org, we have put together a list of the best LPN programs in the state to help you make a smart choice,” according to the organization’s website.

“Our rankings look at things like how well students do on exams, job placement rates, and what current students say. This guide point you to schools that offer strong training and support,” the group said. “We aim to give you clear, useful information so you can start your nursing career with confidence.”

“KCC is a great place to start in healthcare and it doesn’t need to be the end of your journey,” Neufeld said. “You can work as an LPN then come back when you’re ready to get your RN. Your work experience as an LPN will bring you so much into your RN studies. If you desire to go on, KCC offers an online RN to Bachelors of Science in Nursing, which is about 90% online classes.”

For more details, visit https://bit.ly/4vcCLVf

To check out the full rankings by Practicalnursing.org, go to: www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology.

For more information about KCC and its programs, visit www.klamathcc.edu.

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_Submitted by Gerry O'Brien, Klamath Community College (OBrien@klamathcc.edu)._