Celebrating Success: BTC Class of 2023!

    As the sun sets on another academic year, the faculty and staff of Bolivar Technical College honored the graduation of its Practical Nursing (LPN) and RN to BSN Completion program students. Family and friends joined together on Saturday, December 16, 2023, to celebrate their graduates and reflect on this milestone. 

LPN Program Graduates Shine 

    The LPN program, a yearlong cornerstone program of BTC, graduated thirteen outstanding nurses. Among them: Tristen Bartlett of Bolivar, Gracien Copeland of Springfield, Cheri Eyanson of Marionville, Crystal Gholston of Springfield, Sarah Gregory of Springfield, Kasey Hightower of Fair Grove, Michelle Holder of Stockton, Hailee Kell of Humansville, Jessica King of Battlefield, Aiva Layten of Springfield, Amelia Oberg of Nixa, Makenna Ortlieb of Springfield and Lisa Wolf of Pittsburg. 

    Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill throughout their program with countless skills labs and simulations, and over 400 hours of clinical work in healthcare facilities across our region. The LPN program at BTC prepares our students for the demanding and rewarding role of a Licensed Practical Nurse, and these graduates are poised to make a significant impact in healthcare! 

    The achievements of these graduates extend beyond the classroom. Before they can become licensed as practical nurses, they must pass the NCLEX. Our LPN graduates boast a 100% pass rate for many years, and this class shows signs of being on the same trajectory. The class average for the Comprehensive Predictor, a critical indicator of success in nursing, stands at an impressive 78.7%. This translates to a remarkable 97% probability of passing the NCLEX on the first try, well above the national average of 69.1%. We take pride in the commitment of our students and the quality of education we provide to prepare them to pass their exam and join the workforce as competent and skilled nurses.   

Distinguished Speakers and Participants 

    Former BTC student, Dillon Hancock, was chosen as the speaker for the ceremony, bringing inspiration and insight to his former classmates. The student speaker, Amelia Oberg, shared a heartfelt reflection on the journey undertaken by the LPN class. Also, Grace Copeland and Sarah Gregory were honored to lead the ceremony prayers. 

RN to BSN Completion Program Graduates Excel 

    The RN to BSN Completion program at Bolivar Technical College consists of an online curriculum designed to take one year to complete. Once complete, graduates earn their Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree and pave the way for career advancement and additional patient care and education they can provide. The Class of 2023 BSN graduates include: Angela Amonett of Buffalo, Tiffany Bailey of Rogersville, Casey Keith of Dunnegan, Allison Steward of Grain Valley, Brianna West of Aldrich, Caitlyn Williams of Norman, OK, Jennifer Gary of Springfield, Charlene Hebeler of Lebanon, Tiffany Radford of Battlefield and Brittany Slagle of Bolivar. This diverse group of individuals is ready to take on robust roles in nursing, armed with advanced knowledge and skills. 

Looking Forward: Next Cohort Begins Soon 

    As the Bolivar Technical College community gathered to celebrate the achievements of the LPN and RN to BSN Completion program graduates, we look forward to welcoming a new cohort of aspiring nurses in January. If you have a passion for nursing and a dream of doing more, now is the perfect time to embark on a transformative journey at Bolivar Technical College! We are now enrolling students for programs starting in early January 2024. If you are interested in any of the upcoming programs or a tour, contact the college via phone (417-777-5062), email (info@bolivarcollege.edu), or text message (417-771-3543).