POCAHONTAS, AR Sept. 23— The 22 students who graduated from 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.