Practical Nursing Program Ranked #5 in NC

Edgecombe Community College Practical Nursing students gather for a group shot in 2019. ECC’s PN program has been ranked #5 in the state.

Edgecombe Community College’s Practical Nursing program was recently ranked #5 in the state after receiving a perfect score by a national nursing advocacy organization.

The top eight schools on the PracticalNursing.org list received a 100 percent score, and Edgecombe Community College was listed as fifth based on program size.

“We are very proud of our program, our students, and our instructors,” says Barbara Knopp, program chair and director of nursing programs at ECC.

Carly Jacobs of PracticalNursing.org sent a congratulatory email to the College on the “outstanding accomplishment.”

According to Jacobs, practical nursing programs were assessed on several factors that indicate how well a program supports students toward licensure and beyond. The National Council Licensure Examination results for practical nurses also play a significant role in the ranking, and ECC boasts a perfect score.

“Since its inception in 2011, our program has had a 100 percent pass rate,” Knopp says.

The College has designed a transition program for licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses. The program is called Advanced Placement for LPNs.

“Many of our students continue their education through the LPN-ADN option of the Associate Degree in Nursing program,” explains Knopp. “This option enables students to complete the ADN in three semesters and is designed to transition the licensed practical nurse to the registered nurse role.

“Most of these students are working full time as LPNs while completing the ADN program, which further demonstrates their commitment to the field. Our students are remarkable.”