Leffler Academy plays key role in bill to help young practical nursing students

FORT WAYNE, Ind.— Leffler Academy played an instrumental role in a new bill to allow Indiana high school students to enroll in practical nursing programs and gain licensure as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) earlier. Leffler Academy in Gas City, Indiana is an educational partner of the University of Saint Francis.

Leffler Academy was the first post-secondary institution in Indiana to develop, implement and successfully execute all required steps to allow a high school student to gain licensure as a licensed practical nurse while simultaneously graduating from high school. Senate Bill 176 authored by State Senator Shelli Yoder, has passed the Indiana Senate and is awaiting a vote in the Indiana House of Representatives, allowing earlier entry into a practical nurse program. Students will still need to receive a high school diploma to become licensed by the state, but the bill allows students to begin an educational program while still in high school.

“When students learn about careers that align with their interests, they often become more motivated to excel academically and engage in activities that will help them achieve their goals,” Leffler Academy Chief Executive Officer and Director of Nursing Dr. Amanda Leffler said. “Students who engage in career exploration earlier are more likely to choose postsecondary education that aligns with their career goals, helping them to plan more effectively for their future.”

Last November, Leffler Academy and Saint Francis announced an education collaboration to enhance educational programs and expand healthcare initiatives in nursing and allied health, creating new opportunities for students aspiring to healthcare careers and supporting Indiana’s healthcare providers in finding skilled professionals. 

For more information, contact Saint Francis Vice President for Healthcare Relations and Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Angie Harrell at 260-399-7700, ext. 8309 or aharrell@sf.edu or Leffler Academy Chief Executive Officer and Director of Nursing Dr. Amanda Leffler at 765-573-4614, ext. 102 or aleffler@leffleracademy.org

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 20 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,800 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.

About Leffler Academy of Gas City, Indiana
Founded in 2019 by Dr. Amanda R. Leffler, DNP, RN, Leffler Academy offers 10 unique undergraduate programs through the School of Nursing and School of Health Sciences. Our mission at Leffler Academy is to empower learners of all backgrounds and life stages by providing inclusive, innovative educational opportunities that foster personal and professional growth through our commitment to creating a supportive environment where non-traditional students can thrive, engage, and achieve their goals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. Leffler Academy has rapidly gained recognition as a top provider of quality education in nursing and health sciences thanks to its strong focus on student success. As Leffler Academy begins its next chapter, the faculty and staff are dedicated to continue to live their mission of ensuring each student feels supported through their educational journey.