DUBOIS, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Penn State practical nursing program is officially training students to become health care professionals.

Penn State DuBois celebrated with a ribbon-cutting and tours of the facility to showcase what students have to utilize while going through the program. So far, 13 students are in the 18-month program.

Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Nicki Dufour said the program is a huge need for the area.

"I've been working in this area for almost 25 years, and the nursing shortage has been a problem off and on for my entire career," Dufour said.

The university says creating and implementing a program like this is critical to combat the national nursing shortage.

"It benefits the community because these students are going to be working in these facilities when they

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