Buckeye Hills Career Center proudly hosted a Pinning Ceremony on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, to honor eleven students who successfully completed the Practical Nursing (LPN) program. This significant event marked the culmination of their intensive training and their readiness to embark on careers as Licensed Practical Nurses.
The Buckeye Hills Career Center Lpn Program is a comprehensive course designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in practical nursing. The program consists of 1,382 hours of rigorous training, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. A substantial 564 hours are dedicated to lab and clinical experiences, ensuring students gain practical proficiency in a variety of healthcare settings. These clinical rotations are conducted at multiple locations across the region, providing exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare environments. Students gain invaluable experience in geriatrics, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency nursing at facilities such as Four Winds Community, Jenkins Care Community, Abbyshire Place, Holzer Senior Care, Holzer Medical Center, and Rivers Health.
The Pinning Ceremony commenced with a formal student processional, followed by a deeply meaningful moment as Natalie Johnson and Sydney Walters led their fellow graduates in reciting the Nurse’s Prayer. Dr. Amber Nowlin, DNP, RN, PN Program Coordinator, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the graduating class. Kennedy Smith, the Class Vice President, delivered an inspiring student address, reflecting on their journey and achievements.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, scholarships were awarded to high-achieving students by esteemed healthcare organizations, Holzer Health Systems and Rivers Health. Mariah Haley was recognized with the Best in Clinical Performance Scholarship, presented by Sarah Holland, RN, Director of Ambulatory Nursing from Holzer Health Systems. Desiree Secora received the Best in Class Performance Scholarship, awarded by Rivers Health and presented by Lori McFarland, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CLSSGB, Chief Nursing Officer, and Jarod Zelaska, Executive Director of Human Resources. These scholarships underscore the strong partnerships between Buckeye Hills Career Center and local healthcare providers, highlighting the demand for skilled LPNs in the region.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of nursing pins to each graduate by the program instructors. The honored graduates included Hollee Castor, Kaitlyn Cox, Danny Fyffe, Mariah Haley, Natalie Johnson, Jessica Messer, Braedon “Drake” Phillips, Jordan Rardin, Desiree Secora, Kennedy Smith, and Sydney Walters. The dedicated program lead instructors, Cara Gibson, BSN, RN; Jennifer Nance, BSN, RN; and Tresera Rhoton, BSN, RN, along with clinical instructors Rachel Piquignot, BSN, RN; and Jennifer Blackburn, ADN, RN, were recognized for their crucial role in guiding and mentoring the students.
Notably, the January 2024 Practical Nursing cohort included five early placement students from the OTC+ program. This innovative initiative allows high school students in the Health Academy pathway at Buckeye Hills Career Center to begin their Practical Nursing program in their senior year. Hollee Castor, Kaitlyn Cox, Jessica Messer, Jordan Rardin, and Desiree Secora successfully completed the PN program through this early placement opportunity, demonstrating the career center’s commitment to providing accessible pathways to healthcare professions.
Graduates of the Buckeye Hills Career Center LPN program are now eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Passing this exam is the final step to earning their LPN license and credential, enabling them to practice as Licensed Practical Nurses.
The Practical Nursing program at Buckeye Hills Career Center offers two cohorts annually, with 48-week programs commencing in January and September. Enrollment for the Fall 2025 program is scheduled to open in mid-February. This program provides a vital pathway to a rewarding healthcare career, offering comprehensive training and strong local partnerships to support student success.
