(Marion) Marion Technical College announced on Nurses Day that 100% of second year nursing students completed the registered nurse program, despite the challenges of moving to online classes due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“Thank you for your contributions, hard work, persistence, and determination as you complete a significantly challenging term. I can't tell you how proud we are of you and your accomplishments. You give us much to be thankful for in these challenging times,” said Dean Debbie Stark.
“Congratulations to all nursing faculty, staff, and students for this wonderful achievement!” said Dr. Ryan McCall, president of Marion Technical College.
A total of 47 students are graduating and will join the ranks of registered nurses.
“I am very proud and delighted that we are a group of resilient, driven people. We pushed through the challenges that come from studying online, and in the end, we all succeeded,” said Olci DeOliveira, one of the graduates. “Nursing school is very stressful as it is. Nonetheless, this final semester was especially challenging. This whole COVID-19 situation was unique for all of us to adjust.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic added extra challenges, DeOliveira said she connected with other nursing students to study together and support each other over Zoom.
“The program is challenging, as is the nursing profession itself. Every nursing faculty member considers it a privilege to work with our students and works very hard to help the students be successful. We want our graduates to be the best nurses they can be, so we require a lot of commitment, but we offer a lot of support,” said Cindy Hartman, Director of the Nursing Program at MTC.
As nurses were honored this week, faculty wanted to recognize the impact of the thousands of alumni currently working in healthcare.
“Thank you all but I would like to say a special thanks for the many graduates of MTC who have worked through this COVID time and have represented us well,” said Cathy Crum, Clinical Coordinator for Nursing.
DeOliveira, a Marion resident, started in the healthcare field as a state-tested nursing assistant (STNA) and then a licensed practical nurse (LPN) before going to complete her registered nurse (RN) degree.
“When a friend encouraged me to go back to school and finish my RN at the end of 2018, I had no other College in mind than MTC because it is a school with highly competent teachers that cares for each student and their different ways of learning.”
Nursing is an in-demand, growing field that pays a median salary of $63,509 in this area. MTC has a well-respected, accredited program. The nursing program will accept application from June 1 through August 1 to start in January 2021. For more information, go to www.mtc.edu.