STEUBENVILLE — Students graduating from Eastern Gateway Community College’s practical nursing program once again all passed the National Council Licensure Examination on the first try in a program that places students looking for an LPN position at almost a 100 percent rate.

With fall enrollment now open, Eastern Gateway students in the practical nursing program can graduate in three semesters and fill shortages in nursing positions in northeast Ohio and across the state that pay on average between $27 and $30 an hour.

“We are so proud of our students once again all passing the National Council Licensure Examination. This means they are ready to step into good-paying jobs immediately after graduation. Ohio, like much of the country, is facing a nursing shortage, and nearly 100 percent of our nursing graduates are filling those positions. And many are staying right here in Northeast Ohio,” said Jennifer Salyard, director of the practical nursing program at EGCC.

“Nurses are frontline heroes, providing critical care to our communities and our state’s most vulnerable. We are so thankful to be able to give our students the practical schooling they need to go out into our community as proud health care heroes. We can’t wait to meet the new class of practical nursing students enrolling in the fall semester as they embark on a journey to a successful future,” said Michael Geoghegan, president of the school.

“Our program directors, Jennifer Salyard and Jennie Scott, are incredible educators. They set up every single student that passes through their classroom for a lifetime of success. We are proud to continue to offer students the opportunity to pursue a career in an in-demand field where they are sure to find great jobs providing much needed care,” said Arthur Daly, senior vice president and chief development officer at Eastern Gateway.