By Kaylie Simmons
Southeastern Community College
Southeastern Community College’s Practical Nursing program earned recognition as one of the top programs in North Carolina, ranked third in the state by PracticalNursing.org.
Dr. Brandon Jenkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, explained that the organization serves as a trusted source for information on nursing education, licensure and careers.
“Since 2014, they have published annual rankings recognizing nursing programs that demonstrate excellence in preparing the next generation of nurses,” Jenkins said. “Congratulations to Dean of Nursing and Healthcare Training Jessica Hill, Director of Nursing Tammy Faulk and our outstanding nursing faculty for this accomplishment and recognition. What a testament this is to our commitment to our students and the healthcare workforce of Columbus County and surrounding areas.”
Hill explained that SCC’s Practical Nursing program stands out because of its small learning environment and personalized instruction.
“SCC’s PN program is special because we provide a nursing education where small settings and individualized help in classroom, lab, and clinical are the norm and not the exception,” Hill said. “Students are known by their names, and their success matters to our faculty and our leaders. We pour into our students what we expect them to pour into our communities when they graduate.”
Hill said the program’s instructors play a key role in maintaining high expectations for students.
“Our full-time instructors have over 175 years of combined experience in nursing. Most of our faculty graduated from our SCC nursing program,” Hill said. “These instructors love their students like family, and they will hold them accountable when they fall short of meeting the expectations set. Instructors don’t lower standards because they believe every student admitted here can meet, if not exceed, the standards set.”
Hill said students who choose SCC will find a supportive environment that prepares them for the workforce.
“Students wishing to experience a nursing education that will equip them with the knowledge and skills to be job ready upon graduation will find exactly that at SCC,” Hill said. “Students who thrive in small settings with individualized attention from instructors who are invested in their success will find that SCC feels like home.”
She added that her favorite part of the program centered on student growth and achievement.
“My favorite part of SCC’s PN program is the hands-on clinical experience each student gets over their three semesters here,” Hill said. “Truly, my most favorite part is watching the PN graduates walk across the stage on pinning night and realizing their life, and the lives of their families, will be forever changed because of three short semesters of very hard work in our program.”
Faulk echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the relationships built within the program.
“What makes our program special? It’s the people—our faculty and our students,” Faulk said. “Our students become part of the SCC family. We know them by name, we celebrate their successes and we help them through the tough days.”
Faulk said faculty dedication continues to drive student success.
“I truly believe our instructors are the heart of this program. They bring years of real-world nursing experience into the classroom, but even more importantly, they genuinely care about our students,” Faulk said. “I couldn’t be prouder of the faculty we have and the difference they make in our students’ lives.”
She added that alumni connections remain strong even after graduation.
“One of my favorite things is seeing our graduates come back to visit or keep in touch—it reminds us that the relationships built here don’t end at graduation,” Faulk said.
Faulk said the program prepares students for long-term success in the field.
“If you’re looking for a nursing program that will prepare you for a successful career, SCC is a great choice,” Faulk said. “We work hard to prepare our students for what they’ll experience as nurses, not just to pass the NCLEX. We challenge them, encourage them, and help build the confidence they’ll need to walk into their first job ready to care for the people who matter most to you.”
She noted the wide range of career paths available to graduates.
“One of the great things about becoming a licensed practical nurse is the variety of career opportunities available,” Faulk said. “Our graduates work in hospitals, long-term care, rehabilitation, physician offices, home health, hospice, and other healthcare settings. For those who want to continue their education, becoming an LPN is also a great first step toward becoming a registered nurse.”
Faulk’s favorite moments come when students gain confidence in their abilities.
“My favorite part of our PN program is watching those little moments when a student realizes, ‘I can do this,’” Faulk said. “Seeing a student master a new skill, finally understanding a concept they’ve been struggling with, or growing more confident in clinical is very rewarding. Watching our students believe in themselves and realize they’re becoming the nurses they’ve always wanted to never gets old.”
Want to be a part of an award-winning practical nursing program at SCC? Contact Student Services at 910-788-6247 to connect with a Student Advisor! Click here to learn more about our practical nursing program!
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