Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC) and Three Rivers College (TRC) are working together to better meet the healthcare needs of the greater Poplar Bluff area. This includes the addition of new programs at TRC and onsite training opportunities at PBRMC to prepare students for high-demand healthcare positions at PBRMC and beyond.
“Working closely with PBRMC allows us to better know the healthcare positions, training and expertise most needed in our community and helps ensure our students are trained to meet those needs,” Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College said. “We want our graduates to move quickly and easily into the workforce, and this partnership will help that happen.”
Currently, Three Rivers offers Practical Nurse, LPN-RN Bridge, Registered Nurse, Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Medical Laboratory Technician programs in Poplar Bluff, and Practical Nurse and LPN-RN Bridge programs in Sikeston.
After discussions with PBRMC, TRC will be adding a Paramedic-to-RN bridge program and a Surgical Technician program in 2023. Certification in Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Medication Technician (CMT) will also be offered.
“Enhancing our existing long-term relationship with the college will benefit southeast Missouri in meeting the ongoing health care needs,” Rick Naegler, PBRMC’s CEO said. “As PBRMC continues to grow and add services, it drives the demand for well-trained and qualified healthcare members. The new programs at TRC give prospective students and future employees many choices for the career path they want to pursue.” The partnership between PBRMC and Three Rivers College will also focus on developing hospital-ready nurses who can quickly orient to hospital procedures and serve patient needs in a more meaningful way. “We have high-tech simulation labs that give our students a safe way to get hands-on experience,” Payne said. “Working more closely with PBRMC will allow us to expand the real-world clinical opportunities we can provide.”
“The community is very fortunate to have the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to support a high-level learning environment right here at Three Rivers College. Adding the onsite training capabilities in our hospital and outpatient clinics will give prospective students a robust experience that will ensure their success as future healthcare workers,” added Naegler.
About Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center:
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and serves Butler County and seven other surrounding counties. PBRMC is committed to meeting our community’s healthcare needs by providing compassionate, quality patient care. The medical center offers a wide range of services, including oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, robotic surgery, women’s health, and more. Learn more at PBRMC.com.
About Three Rivers College: Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about College and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.
