VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System

Dawn Marie Cardinal, a graduate of the Greenfield Community College Practical Nursing Certificate Program, poses for a photo after a June 24 graduation ceremony at the Northampton VA Medical Center. With her is her uncle, Charles Chagnon, an electrician at the medical center.

LEEDS, Mass., June 24, 2011 -- College practical nursing students graduated in a ceremony June 24 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Leeds.

The students were members of the nineteenth graduating class of the program, which prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses.
 
Many in the class were non-traditional students who have balanced family and work responsibilities to successfully complete the program.

Some are pursuing an opportunity for second careers; others are furthering their education in the nursing profession.
 
It is the twelfth year the Practical Nursing Program has been at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.  Classes are held at the Medical Center and clinical experiences take place at the Medical Center and several other local hospitals and nursing homes in Hampshire and Franklin Counties.
 
Graduates have successfully completed a full-time 10-month program administered by Greenfield Community College.  They are now eligible to complete a state licensure examination and to attain their goal of becoming licensed practical nurses.

Many of the graduates have been offered positions in long-term care facilities, physicians’ offices and clinics, schools, correctional facilities and psychiatric settings.

The graduation program included the awarding of certificates, a pinning ceremony, guest speakers and the presentation of awards in academic and clinical excellence.
 
Link here to The (Springfield) Republican for an article on the graduation ceremony: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/06/gcc_nursing_graduates_called_t.html