Twenty-one students recently graduated from the practical nursing program at Pennsylvania College of Technology's North Campus, with a ceremony held Dec. 16.
The students chose N. Kim Johnson, a flight nurse for Geisinger Medical Center and a substitute clinical instructor in the program, as the distinguished speaker for the ceremony.
Larry L. Michael, executive director of workforce and economic development at Penn College, offered remarks from the main campus in Williamsport. The student speaker was Lindsey Soha. A holiday reception for family and friends was held afterward in the North Campus student lounge.
The Lyle Goodreau award for professionalism and excellence in the nursing clinical area was presented to Nichole Jamann by Janie Hilfiger, chief nurse executive at Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital, Wellsboro. The Green Home Award for excellence in geriatric care was presented to Roxine Davis.
Marsha Heck and Roxine Davis both received honorable mention for achieving nearly perfect attendance throughout the 12-month nursing program.
Certificates in practical nursing were presented by Natalie DeLeonardis, coordinator of North Campus outreach practical nursing. George Ann Foreman, instructional specialist, and Debra Day, nursing instructor, presented pins to the graduates.
The graduates are: Amanda Boiywo and Cassina Valentina, Liberty; Ashley Chaapel, Covington; Katrina Copp and Lisa Rudinski, Mansfield; Roxine Davis, Christine Fidler and Nicole Jamann, Blossburg; Marsha Heck, Tioga; Debra Heroux, Coudersport; Jessica Kennedy, Lenae McMichael and Heather Weaver, Wellsboro; Margaret Kroeck, Elkland; Trisha Lowe, Harrison Valley; Jolene Mack, Westfield; Nikki Miller, Morris; Jessica Schaar, Galeton; Lindsey Soha, Williamsport; Samantha Southard, Middlebury Center; and Cassie Stone, Lawrenceville.
Graduates completed 1,504 clock hours of classroom and clinical instruction, with clinical experiences obtained at Laurel Health System and other local facilities. They are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for LPNs and may be employed in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, hospices and other health-care organizations.
Practical nursing classes at the North Campus begin the first week of January each year. The program is fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
For more information about the practical nursing program, visit online or call the North Campus at 570-724-7703.