Thirteen graduates of Beaufort County Community College’s Practical Nursing (PN) program marked the end of their studies with a pinning ceremony on July 14 in Washington, N.C. The event included a recitation of the Practical Nursing Pledge and a pinning tradition carried out by family members and friends.
Meet the Graduates
This year’s graduating class includes Lauren Burden, Shaelee Chrismon, Bernita Cox-Locus, Roasa Crandol, Madison Marslender, Vera Minka, Shanekwa Moore, Tameka Richardson, Hayley Spencer, Megan Spruill, Rachel Staba, Briana White and Ashley Williams.
Words From College Leadership
BCCC President Dr. David Loope opened the ceremony with remarks, and Dr. Kent Dickerson, director of nursing and allied health, delivered the faculty address. Dickerson offered the graduates a message of encouragement: “You have knowledge. You have experience. You have power, and you can make a difference, and you have that opportunity to do so.”
Recognitions and Awards
The Beaufort County Association of Nursing Students (BCANS) played a central role in the ceremony. Historian Aaron Perkins recognized BCANS officers, including Shaelee Chrismon, social events coordinator, and Madison Marslender, historian, along with other members of the organization. Perkins also honored Rachel Staba with the program’s Academic Excellence Award for earning the highest GPA in nursing coursework among the Class of 2026. BCANS president Jacob Vaughan presented the graduating class during the ceremony.
What the Program Covers
Coursework in the PN program focuses on health care, nursing practice and holistic patient care. Students build skills in safe, individualized nursing care and teamwork through evidence-based practice, quality improvement and informatics. The curriculum includes nursing narratives, concept maps and hands-on clinical rotations at local health care facilities.
Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN exam before starting work in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, or in rehabilitation, long-term care or home health settings. The program’s previous graduating class posted a 100 percent pass rate on the exam.
Admission and Cost
Both the ADN and PN programs at Beaufort CCC are competitive. Applicants must apply for admission and pass the TEAS or HESI entrance exam. The college accepts TEAS scores earned within the past three years.
Tuition and fees for the PN program are covered for qualifying residents of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties through the Beaufort Promise Scholarship. Students can also apply for additional scholarships to help cover textbook costs. North Carolina residents from households earning less than $80,000 a year may qualify for the Next NC Scholarship, regardless of county. Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before applying for scholarships.
Learn More
For more information about the Practical Nursing program, contact Nicole Smith-Poulin, allied health admissions coordinator, at 252-940-6431 or [email protected].