OTC announces 100% pass rate within Practical Nursing Program
FORT WALTON BEACH — Okaloosa Technical College has announced that all 16 students currently enrolled in the 2023-2024 Practical Nursing Program have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) with a 100 percent pass rate.
This is the second time in six months that OTC has achieved this distinction. In October, another class graduated from the program with the same achievement.
The nursing program at OTC follows a 14-month curriculum approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing. Each student completes 675 hours of classroom instruction and 675 hours of practical, hands-on clinical experience, which proves that each student can become "safe and competent practical nurses in various areas of the medical field."
According to a news release, all students were hired locally except for one who relocated out of state.
"It is encouraging to know that the nursing field is still in high demand and that the students pursuing this profession are committed to making a significant contribution to the well-being of their patients," Okaloosa County School Superintendent Marcus Chambers said in a news release. "The OTC staff is dedicated and has formed partnerships with healthcare providers to offer practical experience to their students. This will help them transition smoothly to the workforce.”
OTC Director Jon Williams shared in this sentiment, noting that the nursing program's goal is to continue supplementing partners in the healthcare industry with licensed medical professionals. In his statement, Williams noted that all nursing students passed their NCLEX on their first attempt.
"I am very proud of the work of both students and staff to reach this goal and what it means for the local healthcare community," Williams added.
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The announcement was also praised by Brenda Restey, OTC Practical Nursing Program director, who expressed pride in the instructors' efforts in preparing students for the exam, stating, "Our team of instructors did a wonderful job preparing these students for the exam and nursing. I am proud of everyone."
Applications for new student enrollment into the Practical Nursing Program are accepted twice a year. Registration for the next semester is currently open until July 8.
For more information, you are encouraged to visit https://www.otcollege.net/practical-nursing.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: OTC announce 100% pass rate within Nursing Program
