Elizabethtown Community and Technical College’s two nursing programs, Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Registered Nursing, both achieved the distinction of 100 percent pass rates on the Nursing Council Licensure Examinations – NCLEX – for the past year.
The Associate Degree Nursing Program continues to shine as one of the finest in the state of Kentucky. The program, which trains students to become registered nurses, recently received a Letter of Commendation from the Kentucky Board of Nursing, based on the fact that 100 percent (47) of the ECTC nursing students in the 2007 – 2008 academic year who took the Nursing Council Licensure Examination – NCLEX – passed on their first try. ECTC was one of only three programs in the state, including universities, to achieve that distinction. ECTC nursing students consistently score well on the exam, with pass rates exceeding the national average. The Kentucky Board of Nursing granted continued Full approval status to the nursing program.
“Our Associate Degree in Nursing Program is one of ECTC’s flagship programs,” said Dr. Thelma White, ECTC President/CEO. “It’s a rigorous, demanding program, and our nursing students are very well-prepared to succeed, not only on the licensure exam, but also in their chosen careers. They readily secure jobs in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare facilities anywhere they want to go. There is a demonstrated shortage of nurses nationwide, which is only expected to grow, so nursing is a very rewarding career with plenty of job opportunity. We are very proud of our nursing program, instructors, staff and students, and are committed to consistent, high standards. And we’re very grateful for the community partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers that make this quality education possible.”
Students who have earned their Associate Degrees in Nursing at ECTC agree that the program is tough, but prepares them well to succeed. Felicia Tate graduated in the Fall of 2008 and now works in the medical surgical ward at Twin Lakes Hospital in Leitchfield. “It’s a grueling program, but after it’s over you realize that you’ve learned everything you need to pass the licensure exam,” said Tate. “The labs are awesome, but it’s the instructors who really made the difference, who are willing to meet one-on-one with us when we need extra help or have questions. The ECTC nursing program has a great reputation for high standards and graduating high quality nurses.”
Jeanette Griffin, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Hardin Memorial Hospital, hires a large number of ECTC nursing students. “We are so very proud of the ECTC program and students and their 100 percent pass rates on the NCLEX,” she said. “We are very comfortable hiring ECTC graduates because we know that there’s an excellent chance that they will pass their licensing exams after completing their post-grad clinicals. ECTC nurses are highly likely to succeed as nurses. And it’s very important to us that we have a wonderful relationship with the ECTC program coordinator and faculty, and we’re confident that that relationship will continue.”
For more information about the Practical Nursing or Associate Degree in Nursing (Registered Nursing) programs, contact Susan Mudd at 270-706-8534.
Spring 2008 Associate Degree in Nursing Graduates
Breckinridge County
Stephanie Belluci, Harned
Bullitt County
Amanda Bischoff, Shepherdsville
Grayson County
Lindsay Bryant, Caneyville
Melony Gilbert, Leitchfield
Melinda Mattingly, Clarkson
Hardin County
Patricia Baird, Elizabethtown
Renee Barzee, Elizabethtown
Melissa Baumgardner, Elizabethtown
Marcy Benson, Elizabethtown
Amanda Bisby, Radcliff
Stephanie (Carr) Roberts, Elizabethtown
Susan Cowart, Elizabethtown
Michele Fitzsimmons, Fort Knox
Sarah Tovar, Elizabethtown
Tanisha Williams, Elizabethtown
LaRue County
Elizabeth Barzee, Magnolia
Jessi Brackett, Mt. Sherman
Meade County
Patricia Fackler, Payneville
Cassandra (Wright) Fields, Brandenburg
Nelson County
Dianne Clark, Boston
Margaret Wimsett, Bardstown
Taylor County
Leah Hayes, Elk Horn
Washington County
Daniel Barber, Springfield
Emily Riley, Springfield
Fall 2008 Associate Degree in Nursing Graduates
Grayson County
Nathan Lindblom, Leitchfield
Eva Noe-Kerr, Leitchfield
Jessica Roberts, Leitchfield
Felicia Tate, Leitchfield
Green County
Sheri Little, Greensburg
Samantha Lobb, Summersville
Hardin County
Jana Anderson, Elizabethtown
Tricia Bennett, Cecilia
Mary Kathleen Herrera, Elizabethtown
Jessica Lafollette, Elizabethtown
Olivia Lyons, Elizabethtown
Ramona Merciers, Elizabethtown
Brennan Priddy, Upton
Kalia Reece, Sonora
Mari Stein, Elizabethtown
Bianca Thacker, Radcliff
Heather VanBlijenburgh, Rineyville
Meade County
Cynthia Fackler, Brandenburg
Nelson County
Julie Culver, New Haven
Kayla Hutchins, Bardstown
Kristen Russell, New Haven
Phyllis Skaggs, Bardstown
Taylor County
Dinah Daugherty, Campbellsville