MARQUETTE -- Northern Michigan University announced on Thursday that it will be reactivating its practical nursing (LPN) program.

"With the changes taking place in the local area's health care systems, we were asked by Marquette General Health System and Duke LifePoint officials to consider offering the LPN degree again to help meet an anticipated need in the near future," said NMU provost and vice president of academic affairs, Paul Lang.

Students will have a chance to take six prerequisite courses, totaling 15 credits. These courses will be offered in the upcoming academic year. Forty students from those who complete the prerequisites with a C grade or higher will be selected for admission to the fall 2013 LPN program.

Those interested in the LPN program can apply to Northern online at www.nmu.edu/admissions or by calling the university at (906) 227-2650 or 1-800-682-9797.

NMU announced it was suspending the practical nursing program back in 2010 due to a lack of nursing faculty at the college, a 10 percent budget reduction, and an estimated decrease in LPN jobs in the local area.

"It was a sound, strategic decision at the time, but as regional workforce demands change, such as now with the Duke LifePoint and MGH agreement, NMU does its best to accommodate regional employee training needs," Lang added. "Luckily, since the program was only suspended, not fully eliminated, NMU does not need to apply for state approval of the program, and that allows us to reactivate the program quickly so it's available this fall semester."

NMU's fall classes begin on Monday, August 27.