From career changers to recent high school graduates, 129 area adults are prepared to enter the healthcare industry thanks to the Capital Region BOCES adult Health Careers Program.
Dressed in their traditional white garb, the graduates closed a chapter on their lives and rewrote their own history. The successful completion of the 10-month, full-time class or the 18-month, part-time adult Practical Nursing class allows them to now take the national certification exam and become a licensed practical nurse 
(LPN), opening doors into the licensed healthcare workforce, which has been facing a national shortage due to the aging baby boom generation.
“You didn’t give up. You showed up again and again. You persevered, and that’s the type of person the profession needs,” Naomi Hoffman, President of the Board of Education, told the graduates.
Dedication, devotion
Throughout the graduation, speaker after speaker praised the graduates for overcoming their circumstances and completing the rigorous course while working full-time and raising families.
“Every one of you has said ‘I am here, I am committed,’” Dr. Elizabeth Wood, Deputy District Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer, told the graduates.
Louise Bigando, MS, RN, Director of Health Careers and Services, praised the graduates for persevering through life’s challenges while pursuing a “calling into one of the most noble professions.”
Confidence
The graduates said they were prepared to enter a new chapter of their lives.
“It’s the only thing I have thought about for the last 10 months,”
said Eric Bright.
“I am super proud and ready!” said Stacy Bowles, who was joined by her niece and great nephew in graduating from the program. “I am going to get my RN [registered nursing] degree and then I want to work with the geriatric population.”
Classmate Natahja Epps, an Albany resident who currently works as a patient care technician, expressed a similar sentiment.
“I have been in this field for more than a decade, and BOCES is allowing me to advance myself,” said Epps.
“I plan to get a job and eventually go back to school and become a forensic pathologist,” she added.
Classmate Myriam Blaise said BOCES prepared its students well for the industry.
“The adult nursing program is a great program. The teachers are very caring and attentive. They will
stay after to work with you and do whatever it takes to make sure you succeed,” the Schenectady resident said.
Cross section
The graduates hail from communities as far afield as Kingston, Amsterdam, Niskayuna, Albany and Cohoes and include those changing careers as well as those finding the right career for them after high school.
Despite their diversity of background and training, graduates all have a similar desire—to help others.
“I come from a family of nurses, so it’s what we do,” said Monika Justine-Hubbard. “I am really excited and can’t wait to schedule my [state certification exam] and get out there.”
