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 third out of 29 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 four-year period, from 2011 to 2014.
“It is an honor for our Associate Degree and Practical Nursing programs to receive this recognition,” said Kay Blackwell, dean of Nursing and Health Science at OCtech. “Our programs are committed to excellence in nursing, and I am very proud of the students, graduates and faculty. We appreciate the strong support of administration in the expansion of our programs as we continue to provide the best in quality nursing care to those in our community and the surrounding areas.”
Last year, 100 percent of OCtech’s ADN Flex, ADN Traditional and PN Flex program graduates passed their licensure exams, and 90 percent of the college’s PN Traditional program graduates passed the NCLEX.
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.
“After analyzing nursing programs in South Carolina, it became evident that Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College not only supports students during their time on campus, but also prepares them for a career beyond OCtech,” said Brooke Wallace, founder and managing editor of RegisteredNursing.org. “The strong RN program prepares students to conquer the NCLEX-RN and produces graduates who have the ability to confidently carry out what they learned into the healthcare world.”
Nursing and Health Science admissions packets are still being accepted for the fall. The next health information program (HIP) session will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 8. Online HIP sessions are also available. All applicants are required to attend a HIP session to receive an admissions packet.
For more information about OCtech’s competitive Nursing and Health Science programs, visit https://www.octech.edu/admissions/nursing-health-science.
