Cutting back on aspiring nurses

Hartford (WTNH) - State cutbacks are impacting nursing schools leaving many to wonder not only how this will impact students but the future elderly population.

It's been an 18 month journey for more than 40 students at EC Goodwin studying to be licensed practical nurses.

A proud 48-year-old Laura Pierlioni used to be a waitress.

"This program is awesome. This program is incredible. You can see the diversity that's in these classes, it's unbelievable," she said.

But this may be the last "LPN" graduating class at EC Goodwin, one of Connecticut's subsidized technical schools. Ten schools in all will no longer be an option because of state cutbacks, leaving almost 400 prospective students out of luck.

"I think Governor Rell is making a big mistake in trying to save the state a little bit of money right now and hurting people in the long run. Our elderly population definitely needs nurses," said Instructor Jeff Bezrucik.

"You are taking people that are on public assistance, a lot of times, and putting them in the workforce upon graduation," said Instructor Alicia Zupan. "They are getting off state assistance; they are earning salaries."

The Governor has said the state is losing money on the program and it costs taxpayers at least $20,000 per student. Students pay less than $5,000 in tuition.

For Laura, she feels lucky she dodged the budget bullet. And at 48, her journey is just beginning.

"It's just exciting to be done and have the future ahead of us," she said.