Nearly 120 adult learners—from high school graduates to individuals looking for a purposeful career change—recently completed our Adult Practical Nursing program and are set to enter the post-pandemic world of healthcare.
These adults, as well as members of the Class of 2020 who could not have an in-person ceremony last year because of COVID 19 precautions, received their diplomas and nursing pins in tradition-packed ceremonies held at the Times Union Center in Albany.
Speaker after speaker praised the graduates for overcoming their circumstances—many participated with the rigorous program while working full-time and caring for their families—and completing the rigorous program in the midst of an international pandemic.
The graduates successfully completed either a 10-month, full-time or an 18-month part-time practical nursing program that encompassed more than 1,100 hours of training, preparing them to take the national certification exam and become a LPN.
“It feels great to graduate. It’s been a long journey. Tough, but rewarding,” said graduate Kailtyn Laux.
Graduate Abigale McKenzie realized during the pandemic that a career in healthcare was for her.
“My son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during the pandemic. I spent a lot of time in hospitals and with nurses and realized that I really want to be there to help people,” said McKenzie.
Fellow graduate Khadijah Thompson chose our adult education program to advance up the health careers ladder.
“I love to help people and I work right now as a PCA so this allows me to further my education. It’s important to do this,” Thompson said.
Paula Negri, principal of the Adult Health Careers Center, said the record number of students who completed the program this year will find themselves in high demand in the health care industry.
“I am proud of the hard work these students put into to overcome so many obstacles, including a global pandemic, to prepare themselves to help meet the need of the healthcare industry and society,” said Negri. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for LPNs will grow 9 percent by 2029 with nearly 66,000 new jobs being created.
Video: Mother and Two Daughters Graduate from Nursing Program Together
Learn About Our Adult Practical Nursing Program
One of the fastest growing and highest demand jobs in the nation, nursing is a career with many rewards for those looking for a challenge. Learn about Capital Region BOCES’ adult practical nursing program, and dozens of other courses available to adult learners through our Career & Technical School.