Nursing program touts success in state exams

Daily Dunklin Democrat

KENNETT, Mo. -- The Kennett Area Vocational Technical School of Practical Nursing opened its doors in 1973 with two determined registered nurses as faculty.

Nurses Heraldine Garrett and Betty Poindexter set out to prepare students to become nurses.

Among the first applicants was the great-grandmother of current student Danyel Burgess. As the program developed, about 400 students have completed the practical nursing program, including Burgess' grandmother, aunt and, now, Burgess herself.

"Nursing is something I have always wanted to do," Burgess said, adding that she will use the class as a springboard for her career as a registered nurse.

"Getting your LPN license first, the RN part comes a lot easier," Burgess said.

The practical nursing program has an agreement with Three Rivers Community College of Poplar Bluff, Mo., for students to receive credits for an associate of applied science degree in nursing and to enter the registered nurse program as a second-year student at Three Rivers.

Burgess chose the Kennett course, not only because of her family, but because of the success rate of the class.

In the program's first graduating class, 100 percent of the students passed the state board exam.

The practical nursing program continues that legacy by producing a well-rounded, successful nurse while being one of the most affordable programs in the state.

It also continues to have an outstanding pass rate on the state licensing exam.