Practical Nursing Program at North Campus Receives Recognition

The Practical Nursing Program at Pennsylvania College of Technology's North Campus has been notified that the December 2005 graduating class achieved a 100-percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses.

The exam is given following completion of the 1,504-hour noncredit program and entitles graduates to use the designation of LPN. Currently, the 13 graduates are employed in a variety of health-care settings.

On April 28, three North Campus nursing staff members were inducted into the Elmira College chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, an international honor society of nursing scholars, educators and students. Natalie DeLeonardis, coordinator of practical nursing, and instructors George Ann Foreman and Lori Edkin-Leisey were invited to membership because of their leadership and exceptional achievements in the field of nursing.

Sigma Theta Tau is the second-largest nursing organization in the world and focuses on the development and advancement of exemplary health-care leaders. The mission of the organization is to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide.

The Practical Nursing Program at the North Campus, previously offered from 1983-98, was re-opened in January 2003 because of a need expressed by Laurel Health System. Janie Hilfiger, chief nurse executive at Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital in Wellsboro, said the nursing graduates have been a great addition to the nursing staff. They are hard-working, dedicated to providing the best care possible to patients and committed to remaining in the area, she said.

Information about the program can be obtained by calling the North Campus at (570) 724-7703.