LC State designated preferred school for active-duty nursing program

Among 14 institutions of higher learning nationwide, Lewis-Clark State in Lewiston stands out as the only campus located geographically in the western portion of the country to be designated a preferred school by the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP).

The honorary designation for LC State signifies the school has been vetted and approved by the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Additionally, for a third consecutive year, LC State was also recognized as a Gold-level Military Friendly School.

“It’s really easy to get overshadowed by big schools,” said Tiffany Pilon, director of the LC State Healthcare Education Center. “I know what a gem we are, and I’m proud that we get to be one of 14 schools. We have a great nursing program, so it is really cool to get to have some recognition on a little bit bigger scale.”

AECP allows active duty service members to attend college, obtain a nursing degree and then re-enter the miliary as a commissioned officer upon graduation. A high level of criteria must be met by participating schools to qualify for the recognition.

Students must be provided the opportunity to complete their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing with 24 months, reside within a 100-mile radius of a military treatment facility in order to collect benefits, and keep tuition costs below $15,000 annually.

Participating schools must also be accredited, and produce a 90% or higher pass rate three consecutive years for the first-time National Council Licensure Examination.

“We have students from all over the place, and some of them are not born and raised in America, but they’re now serving for the country,” Pilon said. “It brings a lot of different life experiences to the program. So while we are benefiting the students, they also are benefiting us.”

Participation in the Enlisted Commissioning Programs at LC State continues to grow. Enrollment tripled in the fall of last year, with 13 students enrolled, compared to just four students in the fall of 2024.

In addition to the AECP, the college also works with the Air Force Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program and the Navy Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program.