You can say that Amber DeWitt is going the distance in pursuit of fulfilling  her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.

The Ulster County resident is commuting from approximately 140 miles round-trip daily from her home in Tillson to the Capital Region BOCES Adult Health Careers Center in Colonie.

“It can be a lot, especially with the time it takes and having a kid in school, but it will be worth it,” DeWitt said.

DeWitt is one of about 90 adults enrolled this semester in the adult Health Careers program offered by Capital Region BOCES. The full-time, state-approved program started in September and concludes in June. Students meet daily and accrue 1,100 hours of classroom and clinical study and practice as they prepare to work as licensed practical nurses or pursue further studies to become registered nurses (RNs).

“I plan to go straight into an RN program when I graduate while also working as an LPN, hopefully as a school nurse,” she said.

DeWitt was drawn to a career in nursing by the experiences she had as a child.

“My whole life, my dad has been sick and in and out of hospitals. I was inspired to be a nurse because of the care I have seen him receive,” she said.

She took that initial inspiration to Ulster BOCES where, as a high school student, she completed training to become a certified nurse assistant.  She worked in the healthcare industry until taking time off to have a child.

DeWitt said she turned to Ulster BOCES to take the practical nursing classes only to learn that the BOCES no longer offered it. She said she then looked at other BOCES that offer the program and decided to attend Capital Region BOCES.

“I heard good things about the Capital Region BOCES program, so I came here,” she said.

DeWitt said the program is good, though not easy given the commute and other demands on her time.

“It’s been a ride. There have been challenges to navigate, especially having a young child go to kindergarten for the first time. But it’s almost done and it’s worth it,” she said.

She praised the BOCES faculty and staff and their commitment to students.

“The teachers here are all very helpful. They create study guides for you and are willing to go the extra mile if you need help,” DeWitt said.

DeWitt’s teacher Katherine Staalesen praised the scholar.

“Amber is an exceptionally dedicated student who consistently demonstrates professionalism and commitment to her education,” Staalesen said. “She is always punctual and prepared, takes great pride in the quality of her work and approaches every assignment with care and attention to detail.”

Anyone interested in becoming a practical nurse, like DeWitt, are encouraged to enroll for the full-time program being offered the 2026-27 school year by contacting healthcareers@neric.org or by applying online through https://www.capitalregionboces.org/adult-education/classes-programs/adult-practical-nursing/”.