BROOKINGS, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota State University College of Nursing is joining with Montana State University on a program to increase the number of skilled clinical nursing faculty and preceptors in the region.

Christina Plemmons, an assistant academic dean in the College of Nursing, says they have a four million dollar grant to work in a large region.

Plemmons says the grant will help with education for new and experienced nurses.

Plemmons says experienced nurses are critical in helping new nursing students settle into the profession.

The project has a goal of training and supporting about nine hundred clinical instructors and preceptors across the region.