The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), is a commonwealth in political union with the United States located at a strategic location in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of 14 islands.

The CNMI is approximately 1,458 miles southeast of Tokyo, Japan; 1,654 miles east of Manila, Philippines; 1,703 east of Taipei, Taiwan; 1,900 miles southeast of Hong Kong; 2,200 miles southeast of Seoul, Korea; 2,900 miles north of Sydney, Australia; and 3,200 miles west of Honolulu, Hawaii.

UNIVERSITY OF LOYOLA IN THE NEWS

Saipan Tribune (www.saipantribune.com)

Monday, February 01, 2010

4 University of Loyola students pass NCLEX
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter

Four University of Loyola students recently passed national licensure examination for registered nurses, pegging the number of those who passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) from the school to six.

Wendy Dizon, Linabelle de Venecia, Philip Salud, and Nerissa Inciong all hurdled the NCLEX in their first try in October last year.

The four joined the university's first NCLEX passers Rocel Cariaso and Vanessa Tebia who are both now working at Commonwealth Health Center.

In an interview with University of Loyola president and founder Dr. Johnny Fong, he said they are very proud of the accomplishments of their graduates.

“We have known all along that the quality of professors we have, our excellent California-based curriculum and the motivation of our local and foreign students will bring about good NCLEX-RN results,” he said, lauding the assistance of the Fitial administration and the Legislature for the university and for the promulgation of new legislation that would allow the university to participate in the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance and CNMI Scholarship programs citing this would help more local students to realize their dream to become a nurse.

“With the influx of more CNMI students, we are committed to bringing this opportunity to more CNMI residents by expanding to Tinian and Rota. Hopefully, we will solve the CNMI nursing crisis in five years,” Fong added.

According to Dizon, she went through a four-month rigorous review that included answering over 15,000 NCLEX practice test questions prior to taking the exam.

“I was so happy when I found out that I passed the NCLEX on the first try. I am presently seeking employment in a hospital or clinic in the CNMI or Guam where I can practice my skills as a registered nurse,” she said, adding she plans to further her education in nursing to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Dizon described as the most inspiring part of the course was to be acknowledged by the patients during clinical rotations. “It was nice to see the health condition of my patients improve because of the care I've given them. It was also heartwarming whenever my patients would look for my presence and acknowledge the care that I have given them. Knowing that I am able to touch other people's lives gives me a sense of fulfillment,” she said.

de Venecia, meantime, described her recent accomplishment as a “great feeling.”

“When my computer shut off at the 75th question, I was relieved and anxious at the same time, as I knew that it could mean a passing grade or otherwise. A week after the test when I could no longer wait for the results to be mailed in, I asked a good friend based on Saipan to get them for me. And when we heard the good news, my family went festive,” she said.

Salud, for his part, said that besides the hard work, he prayed a lot to get a positive result. The 21-year-old student said he was inspired by family and friends to pursue the nursing field.

“I was so happy upon receiving the letter. I'm planning to apply at CHC to serve the people of the CNMI,” shared Inciong, adding that it took her four months to prepare for the examination.

“My family is my inspiration and Karen Buettner,” she added.

The University of Loyola offers a two-year associate of science degree in nursing. It caters to local residents and guest workers.

Saipan Tribune (www.saipantribune.com)

Friday, July 17, 2009

University of Loyola has its first licensed RN
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter

Just six months after certifying its first batch of graduates, the University of Loyola in the CNMI had its first registered nurse last week in the person of Vanessa Tee Tebia.

Tebia, 25, flew to Saipan last year and enrolled at the University of Loyola to avail of the institution's associate degree in nursing. She was among Loyola's first successful graduates.

Tebia, the daughter of Violeta and Frederick, was elated upon receiving the news Monday that she had passed the national licensure examination for nurses.

“I am so relieved! All my hard work paid off,” she told Saipan Tribune, adding that she dedicates her achievement to her family in the Philippines.

Tebia said that, as soon as she finished the course at the University of Loyola, she gave most of her time to the review sessions offered at the institution.

Tebia plans to stay on the island while waiting for her license. She said she is planning to apply as a registered nurse at the Commonwealth Health Center, where a shortage of nurses is a major concern.

“I want to serve the people of the Commonwealth.because it is here where I learned and obtained my license as a registered nurse. I owe it to them,” she said.

Tebia admitted dreaming of joining the nursing workforce in the U.S. mainland in the future.

“I know there are a lot of expectations in this profession.and I am willing to serve and give my best,” she said.

ASDN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX for registered nurses. Once they pass it, they may opt to work right away as registered nurses.

The University of Loyola offers a two-year associate of science degree in nursing, and it plans to eventually offer a four-year doctor of medicine degree, a four-year doctor of pharmacy, and four-year bachelor of science in business administration degree.

It caters to local residents and guest workers who are eligible to participate in the university's study-now, pay-later program.

The University of Loyola at CNMI is affiliated with the Loyola Medical College Foundation, a non-profit educational institution that also owns and operates San Beda College of Medicine, San Beda College of Nursing and St. Ignatius Health Science College in Manila. The foundation has affiliate companies in California.

Saipan Tribune (www.saipantribune.com)

Friday, December 19, 2008

http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=86262&cat=1

11 students graduate from Loyola
By Kristi Eaton
Reporter

Eleven nursing students on Wednesday became the first graduates from the University of Loyola at CNMI.

The eleven students received an associate science degree in nursing. The students were: Marjorie Celebrado, Francis Jason Dimapilis, Robina Francia, Nerissa Inciong, Jean Isidro, Ariel Jerome Laus, Arnaldo Laus, John Lawrence Pelayo, Philip Laurence Salud, Vanessa Tebia and Robert Vincent Ungco.

Gov. Benigno Fitial gave the keynote address. He said he was very proud of the historic achievement the graduation ceremony represented.

“It's not just an accomplishment for the students, but for the CNMI - to have two nursing programs is an accomplishment,” he said referring to Emmanuel College, which recently held a graduation ceremony for its nurses a few months ago.There are currently 35 students enrolled in the nursing program at Loyola.

University of Loyola at CNMI president/CEO Dr. Johnny Y. Fong presented the opening remarks.

Several officials were in attendance at the ceremony, including Senate President Pete Reyes, Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez, Saipan Mayor Juan Tudela, Rep. Oscar Babauta, and Labor Director Barry Hirshbein, among others.

Saipan Tribune (www.saipantribune.com)

http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=86155&cat=1

Monday, December 15, 2008

Relaxed visa rules for foreign nurses pushed
By Kristi Eaton
Reporter

Due to the severe lack of nurses within the U.S. healthcare industry, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ombudsman is recommending expediting green card applications for nurses.

This could help the CNMI's Department of Public Heath, as the majority of nurses at the Commonwealth Health Center are nonresidents.

“Visa availability continues to be the principal obstacle for many immigrants and non-immigrants seeking employment in the United States, and the number of visas available can only be addressed through legislation,” according to the directive.

The United States will require 1.2 million registered nursed by 2014 to meet demand, the directive notes, citing a 2007 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“The nursing shortage detrimentally affects the healthcare industry by decreasing the quality of healthcare,” the directive reads.

The USCIS should separate and prioritize visa applications for nurses in an effort to alleviate the problem, the ombudsman said.

A similar process was used in 2005 to alleviate a shortage.

University of Loyola president Dr. Johnny Fong said the move would help bring more students to the university. Students attending the University will know once they graduate they will be able to find employment in the United States, he said.

It also will help CHC and the CNMI. As students graduate from the college, the hospital will be first choice for the influx of new nursing graduates, he said.

Eleven nurses will graduate from the University of Loyola this week, and 20 students recently graduated from Emmanuel College's nursing program. Northern Marianas College also offers associate degrees in nursing.

Saipan Tribune (www.saipantribune.com)

Marianas variety (www.mvarietynews.com)

Friday, December 12, 2008

Loyola to graduate 11 nursing students

Eleven nursing students are set to graduate from the University of Loyola at CNMI during its first commencement exercises to be held at the Pacific Islands Club on Dec. 17, Wednesday, at 6pm.

The University of Loyola is the only private institution in the CNMI that offers a program leading to an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. The two-year program offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills necessary to promote better health care for people in the CNMI and elsewhere.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial will be the keynote speaker, while University of Loyola at CNMI president/CEO Dr. Johnny Y. Fong and Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez will deliver the opening and closing remarks, respectively.

“Our nursing graduates have demonstrated the quality of UOL's nursing program to the medical community during their stay at the Commonwealth Health Center. UOL is very pleased that we will play a part in alleviating the nursing shortage in the CNMI and in making the CNMI the bastion of US education in the Pacific,” Dr. Fong said.

Presenting the candidates for graduation will be the dean of the university's nursing program, Karen A. Buettner, M.S., C.N.S., R.N.

The University of Loyola currently has 35 students enrolled in the nursing program, including the 11 candidates for graduation.

ASDN graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses. Once they pass the NCLEX, graduates may opt to work right away as registered nurses who are in great demand in many parts of the world today, including the United States.

NCLEX-RN passers are qualified to enter a variety of careers such as staff nurses in acute care settings, home health agencies or long term care facilities.

The University of Loyola is also now open for enrollment of the third batch of students in the ASDN program. Classes for the third batch will start on Feb. 2, 2009.

For more information on how to enroll, call (670) 234-8008 or 234-8004, or send an email to admissions@uolcnmi.com. (PR)

Saipan Tribune (www.saipantribune.com)
Marianas Variety (www.mvarietynews.com)

Monday, July 21, 2008

University of Loyola now accepting students

The University of Loyola at CNMI is now accepting local residents, guest workers and their families who want to pursue careers in health care. Classes start on Sept. 8. for school year 2008-2009.

Local residents and guest workers are eligible to participate in the university's “Study Now Pay Later” program.

Under the program, qualified students will only be paying 50 percent of their tuition in equal monthly increments every year. The other 50 percent will be paid after they graduate and find a job.

The University of Loyola offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.), a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD.), a two-year Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASDN), and a four-year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree.

Nursing students who complete only six months of study at the university will be given a medical assistant certificate, with free extra units. Those who complete only a year of study will be given a health care administrative certificate.

The University of Loyola also offers six-month review courses. They include TOEFL/IELTS review course, NCLEX review course for nurses, USMLE review course for doctors of medicine, NAPLEX review course for pharmacists, USMTE review course for medical technicians, and USNPTE review course for physical therapists.

“We are pleased to provide the opportunity for local residents, as well as guest workers and their families, to pursue careers in nursing, medicine and other health care fields. We look forward to welcoming you to our university. Education will go a long way in benefiting the CNMI and its population,” said Dr. Johnny Y. Fong, chairman of the University of Loyola at CNMI's Board of Directors.

Dr. Fong anticipates huge local participation in the nursing program because nursing is not only the most sought after profession in the United States but is also among the highest paid in the health care industry. Nursing graduates who pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) are eligible to migrate to the United States with green card or permanent residency status, along with their family.

For more information about the courses offered and eligibility requirements, attend the orientations every Monday and Wednesday at 6pm and every Saturday at 10am on the fourth floor of the Marianas Business Plaza.

The first orientation will be held on Wednesday, July 23. The orientation is free, but prospective students need to confirm their attendance at least a day before every orientation. Call 234-8008 to reserve your seat.

Application forms can also be downloaded from the university Web site, www.uolcnmi.com

The University of Loyola at CNMI is owned by the Loyola Medical College Foundation, a non-profit educational institution that also owns and operates San Beda College of Medicine, San Beda College of Nursing and St. Ignatius Health Science College in Manila. The foundation has affiliate companies in California that are ready and willing to hire graduates of the University of Loyola. (PR)

Saipan Tribune

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

100 new chairs donated to NMC

By Jacqueline Dela Cruz
Junior Reporter

Proponents of the planned University of Loyola in the CNMI have donated 100 new chairs worth $3,500 to the Northern Marianas College for their classroom use.

The all-black chairs have tablets for writing and are made up of plastic and metal.

Dr. Johnny Fong, chairman of the University of Loyola's board of directors, turned over the chairs Tuesday morning at NMC.

“Dr. Fong was the one who approached the Northern Marianas College and asked how he could help the college. We needed more chairs, so he immediately offered to donate the chairs,” said NMC president Dr. Carmen Fernandez.

“Our donation is part of the University of Loyola's vision of sharing resources with NMC and the community in advancing education in the Commonwealth,” Dr. Fong said in a statement.

“We hope that the UOL-NMC partnership will go a long way in preparing the leaders of tomorrow and in making the CNMI an education hub in the Pacific,” he added.

The University of Loyola plans to offer a four-year Doctor of Medicine degree, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, as well as a two-year Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.

It also seeks to offer review courses for those taking the National Council Licensure Examination, the United States Medical Licensure Examination, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, the United States Medical Technology Examination, and the United States National Physical Therapy Examination.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to this donation and we really look forward to our partnership,” said Dr. Fernandez.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 (Marianas Variety – www.mvariety.com)

Fitial: Education is NMI’s new industry

THE commonwealth will make education as its new industry, according to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.

With garment factories shutting down and tourist arrivals still declining, the CNMI has to have a new industry to revive its economy, he said.

In an interview on Saturday, Fitial said his administration is now doing its best to expand the CNMI’s education industry.

Recently, he said, the Attorney General’s Office issued a legal opinion allowing Loyola University to start enrolling students.

He said the establishment of Ladera International School Saipan, which is among the pioneers of the education industry, was followed by the opening of Emmanuel College.

“We are supporting and encouraging the opening of more private schools,” Fitial said.

The administration believes that the CNMI has the potential of becoming an education hub for Asian students who want to learn English.

Aside from its proximity to Asian countries, the CNMI is part of the United States and has an education system that complies with American standards, Fitial said.

In South Korea alone, he said the number of students who want to learn English continues to increase.

Korean Association secretary Jonathan Joo said in a telephone interview yesterday that they don’t have the total number of Korean students studying here.

But, he added, the Korean Language School in Chinatown has 250 students.

The number of students, he said, usually increases during the winter months of December and January.

Dec. 7, 2007 (Marianas Variety – www.mvariety.com)

Administration says NMI now has 5 new educational institutions

The governor’s special assistant on educational affairs, Dan Nielsen, says five new educational institutions have opened in the CNMI since Benigno R. Fitial became governor in Jan. 2006.

Nielsen said the administration is committed to education and aims to make the CNMI a regional hub for education.

The five new institutions, he said, are Eucon, Ladera International School on Saipan, Emmanuel College, American Mediscience University and the University of Loyola Inc.

“They have come in under the governor’s private-school business initiative,” Nielsen said. “They all have been successful and are looking into expanding their operations.

Of the five institutions, Nielsen said only University of Loyola has yet to start operation as it just recently received approval on its licenses and permits.

The administration, he added, is looking forward to Loyola’s opening.

On Nov. 26, the vocational nursing school Emmanuel College opened with 23 students in its 11-month program. It now has 30 students, 90 percent of whom are locals.

Nielsen also lauded LISS which opened two years ago.

He said the school’s investment in the CNMI may reach $2 million to $3 million.

“All of these five were given provisional licenses to operate,” Nielsen said, adding that bringing in these new investors “in such a short period of time” is an achievement.

He said Eucon has already received a new license from the government.

AMU, he said, is also in the process of expanding its operations and bringing in more foreign students for its medi-science courses.

Nielsen said a significant amount of investment was brought in to the CNMI by these educational institutions.

Nov. 16, 2007 (Friday) Saipan Tribune (www.saipantribune.com)

'Loyola will not compete with NMC'

A company planning to build a medical and business school on Saipan says it will not compete for students with Northern Marianas College.

The University of Loyola-CNMI will focus on U.S. mainland students rejected by medical, nursing, and pharmacy schools there.

The university will offer a four-year bachelor's degree in business administration-a program not offered by NMC. The business school will market to Asians living in the Pacific region.

“We will cater to a different segment of students,” university president Gus Loste said at the 8th Western Micronesia Chief Executives Summit on Wednesday.

According to Loste, positions for first year medical school in the United States are very competitive. There are at least seven applicants for each seat in a U.S. medical school. Of the nearly 10,000 students rejected each year, some 2,000 are known to pursue other fields and at least 1,000 seek admission to medical schools in the Caribbean, Russia, England, and in the Philippines. The University of Loyola expects 90 percent of its student population to come from last group of students.

The situation at pharmacy and nursing schools is similar, Loste said. There are three students applying for each seat at pharmacy schools. Some 200 to 400 nursing school applicants are on the waiting list in each community college in the mainland.

As for the business school, Loste noted that more than 2,000 Asian students seek admission to U.S. schools each year. Due to the difficulty of getting student visas, many of them are rejected. The University of Loyola hopes to capture that market.

Oct. 29, 2007 (Marianas Variety – www.mvariety.com)

NMI licensing board OKs provisional license for University of Loyola

Northern Marianas College’s board of regents approved a three-year provisional license for the University of Loyola which wants to open a post-secondary medical and pharmacy school on island.

Acting licensing board chairman Charles Cepeda, also the vice chairman of the NMC board, said they made the decision on Friday.

“The board approved a three-year provisional license for the new university with the requirement that inspection and review be done every year,” Cepeda said, adding that the commission is still drafting the final provisions for the new university.

Some two weeks ago, University of Loyola chairman and chief executive officer Dr. Johnny Fong made a presentation to the administration as well as NMC and nursing boards.

He is also seeking a license from the nursing board for the nursing program he will offer in the CNMI.

Oct. 24, 2007 (Marianas Variety – www.mvariety.com)

University of Loyola, CHC sign MOU

The University of Loyola at CNMI Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth Health Center to provide quality medical service to the island community.

Among other things, the University of Loyola at CNMI’s medical, pharmacy and nursing schools will supplement CHC’s current staff of nurses and physicians.

CNMI Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez and University of Loyola chairman and chief executive officer Dr. Johnny Fong said with close coordination, the new university, which has affiliations with medical and nursing schools in Manila in the Philippines and the U.S. will help address CHC’s personnel shortage.

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UNIVERSITY OF LOYOLA IN THE NEWS