TSC LVN graduates celebrate achievements at Pinning Ceremony

Texas Southmost College Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) graduates pose together on Aug. 13, 2016 at the TSC Arts Center.

Beaming with pride, 15 graduates of the Texas Southmost College Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program recited the Vocational Nurse Pledge and received their pins during the LVN Pinning Ceremony on Aug. 13, 2016 at the TSC Arts Center.

The newly-pinned TSC LVN graduates hold their candles as they recite the Vocational Nursing Pledge during the LVN Pinning Ceremony.

"It really is a great relief to have received this pin," said TSC LVN graduate George Lerma. "We've all had our own struggles. I've had some sleepless nights. It was a difficult program to get through, but the persistence and hard work that was necessary to get through each night, each week, was worth it."

TSC's LVN graduates achieved a first-time pass rate of 86.3 percent on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), 3.37 percent higher than the national average.
"We're extremely proud of this group of students and this is an achievement to celebrate," said Tony Cortes, TSC LVN program director. "The LVN program isn't easy to get through. The students sacrificed a lot to get to this point, including time with their families."

"They worked and studied hard over the course of the program and received valuable hands-on experience at local hospitals and clinics," he added. "The students also took the NCLEX this summer and passed with a combined score that was higher than the national average for first-time candidates."

About Texas Southmost College
Originally established in 1926, Texas Southmost College currently offers the first two years toward a bachelor's degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. Recently selected as a Bright Spot by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, TSC offers 53 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.