Vernon Regional Junior College's (VRJC's) incorporation of a reading course in its nursing curriculum is described in this two-part report. The report's first section provides background on VRJC, its facilities, and the factors which led to the implementation of a reading course specifically designed to help students understand nursing textbooks and assignments. The following aspects of the nursing program are then described: credit load requirements, testing procedures, and the four-week, three credit-hour reading course which is offered before the regular nursing program begins. The program's high success rate is noted and several factors contributing to this success are enumerated, such as: (1) cooperation between academic and vocational instructors is highly stressed; (2) the nursing director stresses the benefits of the reading course; (3) the reading instructor is dedicated, flexible, and willing to work with nontraditional students; (4) the instructional deans support the curriculum; (5) students favor the nursing-oriented skills class; and (6) texts and instructional materials are relevant to the nursing courses. The report's second section provides an update on the nursing program, enumerating the changes that have taken place in scheduling, instructional services, and materials. The report is appended by a medical terminology syllabus and a listing of the course requirements for a vocational nursing certificate of completion. (KL)