Danyel Helgeson has accepted the position of program director for the nursing program pathway at Riverland Community College, effective July 1. The program director is responsible for providing leadership, direction and administrative support to the college associate degree nursing program pathway.

Helgeson is a graduate of Riverland’s Nursing program. She also holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a master of science degree in nursing education from Winona State University. Helgeson is a licensed public health nurse. She has worked at St. Marys Hospital Emergency Department-Mayo in Rochester and the Austin Medical Center. She is a current faculty member at Riverland.

She replaces former director Sherry Chesak, who resigned to engage in other career pursuits.

“Danyel has been instrumental in developing the simulation component in the nursing program,” said Kari Busch, interim dean of health sciences and services. “Her energy and vision for the nursing program will continue to capitalize on the success the pathway program has already enjoyed. Danyel’s support of students and faculty is evident in her teaching and in the ideas she has for continued integration of simulation and a quality learning experience.”

Riverland Community College offers a nursing pathway that allows the students upward mobility with two possible exit points. Upon completion of the first year students are eligible to pursue a licensed practical nurse certification. They may stop at that point or continue on to a second year of education.

Upon completion of the second year of the program students are awarded an associate degree in Nursing and will be prepared and eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination-RN.