OTC Associate of Science in Nursing graduates honored

The Associate of Science in Nursing program (ASN) at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) will host its fifth-annual pinning ceremony for the 2014 graduating class on Wednesday, May 14 at 11 a.m. at the Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield.

The ceremony will honor 40 ASN graduates and present a select few with awards including the Transition Award, Positive Nursing Image Award, Nursing Leadership Award and the Smith Glynn Callaway Award for Excellence in Nursing.

OTCs ASN program allows qualified Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) students to complete Registered Nurse (RN) courses in 39 weeks. ASN graduates are eligible to apply to take the exam to become a licensed RN.

“Our ASN graduates have always demonstrated professionalism and employability skills required by health care employers,” said Sherry Taylor, OTC dean of allied health. “Our graduates are high-achieving nurses that provide exceptional care and compassion to those in time of need.”

The tradition of pinning ceremonies dates back to the 1860s when famed British nurse Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George for her service to the injured during the Crimean War. Nightingale in turn presented a medal of excellence to her brightest graduates.

The 40 graduates honored in Wednesdays pinning ceremony are also eligible to walk in OTC’s commencement ceremony to be held on Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m. at JQH Arena.