(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Dec. 21, 2018) - - - Columbia State Community College nursing faculty pinned 31 new nursing graduates in front of family and friends during a traditional ceremony held Friday, Dec. 14 in the Webster Athletic Center.

"The Columbia State nursing graduates will enter the profession as competent and compassionate healthcare providers," said Cheryl Smith, Columbia State director of nursing. "The nursing program's team would like to recognize these graduates who dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort towards the nursing education process. As a result, patients under these graduate nurses' care will achieve the best possible outcomes."

Columbia State nursing graduates recently completed four semesters of rigorous nursing classes, over 450 hours of hands-on clinical instruction and required general education coursework to earn the Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing.

Next, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination in order to earn licensure, which is required to practice as a registered nurse. The 2018 Columbia State nursing students' first-attempt pass rate for the NCLEX through October is 97.5 percent, which surpasses the Tennessee rate of 90 percent and the national rate of 87.1 percent.

Nursing students are trained to provide direct patient care in various areas, including medical, surgical, pediatrics and more. After graduation, these nurses will work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, schools and home healthcare settings.

"Graduates of Columbia State's nursing program are well prepared to serve patients and facilities with exemplary care," said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division and professor of radiologic technology. "Hearing 'I'm a Columbia State graduate' from a caregiver instills confidence and pride."

The Columbia State nursing program is committed to excellence in nursing education. It has received full approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The program's four-year average graduate job placement rate is 95.2 percent.

Columbia State's nursing program has a competitive admission process with applicants admitted twice per year. For more information about applying to the program, contact Smith at (931) 540-2609 or csmith56@ColumbiaState.edu, or visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Nursing.

Photo Caption: Columbia State Community College nursing graduates, light candles as they get ready to recite the nursing pledge in honor of Florence Nightingale and all those who have worked diligently to promote the nursing profession.