POCAHONTAS, AR Sept. 17— The 22 students who graduatedfrom BRTC’s Practical Nursing Program on June 29, 2021, all passed their NCLEX-PN exam (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing) on the first attempt. This average of 100% exceeds the state passing average of 88.6% and the national average of 85.5%.

According to Tonya Hankins, Director of Nursing, this was the first cohort of students to graduate from BRTC’s revised PN program. The program was previously 2 years in length, but the faculty restructured the program and condensed it to 10 1/2 months. The goal of the revised program is to graduate nurses more quickly, while maintaining academic rigor, in order to meet the demands of the critical nursing shortage. She states, “The curriculum is fast-paced and challenging; however, these students displayed undeniable dedication and commitment to their studies.”

The lead faculty members in BRTC’s LPN Program are Rebecca Simpson, RN, Bridgette Kasinger, RN, and Katelyn Koons, RN.Hankins adds, “It is the vision and dedication of these faculty members that led to this exceptional pass rate.”

BRTC’s LPN program accepts 24 students each fall semester. Applications to the program open February 1. For more information visit, https://blackrivertech.org/academics/allied-health/nursing-programs, or contact Dana Clay, Academic Advisor Allied Health, by phone at (870) 248-4000, ext. 4150 or via email at DanaC@blackrivertech.edu.

PHOTO: Summer 2021 LPN Class

Black River Technical College is a 2-year community college in Pocahontas and Paragould which offers associates degrees and certificates in general education and technical and career education. The College houses one of the state’s law enforcement training academies and fire science academies. BRTC has 2,500 full- and part-time students.