TIFTON, GA. Moultrie Technical College’s Tifton campus practical nursing program graduates from summer quarter 2007 finished their classroom work and clinical rotations at area hospitals and physicians’ offices in September. However, walking across the stage to receive their diplomas is just the first of several steps necessary to land a dream job as a nurse. One of the toughest steps is passing a comprehensive exam.

Students are required to submit an application to the Georgia State Board of Nursing as well as the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, or NCSBN. 

Following graduation from their respective colleges, aspiring practical nurses must then pass the difficult National Council Licensure Examination [NCLEX], or “boards”, which is administered by the NCSBN. The exam covers all aspects of professional nursing practice, specifically focusing on patient education, the nursing process and patient care.

Test-takers must pass the exam before they are allowed to begin working as licensed practical nurses, or LPNs. The NCLEX has a national passing average of just over 88 percent so far in 2007.

The outlook is much brighter for Moultrie Tech’s Tifton nursing graduates. According to test results released in November, this recent class achieved a 100 percent pass rate.

MTC Tifton Campus practical nursing instructor Tammy Groover said, “I am happy for the students’ success rate and for their ability to keep Moultrie Technical College above that goal mark.”

Moultrie Tech’s Tifton campus summer quarter graduates are Beckie Baker, Tammie Barfield, Linda Beasley, Paula Clark, Bonnie Crosby, Mary Daniels, Stefanie Elmore, Tammy Gray, Jacki Hancock, Shantate Henderson, Renee Owens, Brandy Rhodes, Melinda Rutland and Chasity Sellars.

Anyone interested in a career in practical nursing can contact Groover at Moultrie Tech’s Tifton campus at 391-2600 or can log onto the college website at www.moultrietech.edu for more information.

New student registration and orientation for winter quarter is December 3 rd. Classes begin January 7th.