A new partnership is opening the doors for students interested in nursing careers in community colleges across Virginia.

Thanks to a $500,000 investment in 2019 from Retirement Unlimited Inc. and a partnership with the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, the RUI Expansion Program is already paying dividends in five Virginia community colleges that have started or expanded their nursing programs.

Students at Brightpoint Community College can now begin the college’s new practical nurse program in the fall or spring

semesters, with the potential to become practical nurses in less than a year. This program began last August, thanks in large part to the investment of the RUI program.

“Part of our vision at Retirement Unlimited Inc. is to provide support for initiatives that encourage the growth of our future leaders in the senior living industry,” RUI President Doris-Ellie Sullivan said in a statement.

“By funding the Brightpoint Community College practical nursing program, we hope to raise awareness for the fact that senior living is an option for a successful and fulfilling career path.”

Besides Brightpoint, nursing programs at Virginia Western, Reynolds and Piedmont Virginia community colleges are expanding thanks to the RUI program, which is also providing nursing scholarships to students at Paul D. Camp Community College students.

“With the help of RUI, and other partners who have followed in their footsteps, more students than ever are finding their way to successful careers in nursing through community college,” VFCCE executive director Jennifer Gentry said.

“Not only does this help to fill the ever-increasing need for allied health professionals, but it gives Virginians from every area and walk of life opportunities for sustained success through education.”