Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College’s Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing programs are ranked among the best in South Carolina, according to websites dedicated to the professions.
OCtech’s ADN program is ranked second out of 28 registered nursing programs in the state by RegisteredNursing.org, while the PN program is ranked fifth out of 16 licensed practical nursing/licensed vocational nursing programs in S.C. by PracticalNursing.org. The rankings are based on NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass rates over a five-year period, from 2013 to 2017.
“It is an honor to be recognized by RegisteredNursing.org and PracticalNursing.org,” said Candance Tooley, dean of Nursing and Health Science at OCtech. “Our Associate Degree and Practical Nursing programs are dedicated to student success. The programs allow students who have no nursing background to begin a professional career in the medical field. Flexible options are also available for adult learners who need to continue their education in a non-traditional setting.”
Last year, 100 percent of OCtech’s ADN and PN Traditional and Flex program graduates passed their licensure exams.
RegisteredNursing.org cites the college’s well-trained faculty, hands-on practical skills, challenging curriculum, small class size and personalized instruction as key components in producing highly skilled nursing graduates.
“Student success begins with the motivation and determination within each student,” Tooley said. “Our nursing faculty assist with mentoring, supplemental instruction, tutoring and the availability of on-site resources that enable our students to meet their goals. OCtech administration provides supportive leadership that allows the programs to be on the cutting edge of technology. Collaboration between nursing faculty and general education coordinators ensures students have the knowledge required to be successful. The welcoming family atmosphere of OCtech’s campus nurtures their potential.”
“We enjoy serving our community and producing the caring, competent and professional graduates that employers seek,” she said.
Nursing and Health Science admissions packets are still being accepted for the fall. All applicants are required to attend a health information program (HIP) session to receive an admissions packet. Online HIP sessions are available.
For more information about OCtech’s competitive Nursing and Health Science programs, contact Tooley at 803.535.1340 or tooleyc@octech.edu, call Student Services at 803.535.1224 or visit https://www.octech.edu/admissions/nursing-health-science. To view the rankings, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/state/south-carolina/#rankings and https://www.practicalnursing.org/lpn-programs/south-carolina#rankings.
