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CCS Practical Nursing Program Soars with 100 Percent Pass Rate
Feb. 6, 2020 -- For 66 years, Columbus City Schools has had a long tradition of excellence in nursing education.
“I feel like this is Columbus City Schools' best-kept secret, and I wish other people knew about this school because this is the best place to be,” said nursing student Ngozi Ejiofor.
Ngozi Ejiofo and Damequa Cooks are current students in the Practical Nursing Program.
At the end of February, both will have completed the 12-month program, graduating with a license in Practical Nursing.
“This has always been a dream for me, helping people,” said Cooks.
Originally furthering her education in cosmetology school, Cooks said she wanted to enter into a career that would have an impact on other lives, as well as be an inspiration to her five-year-old daughter. That’s why she made the switch to nursing.
“I’ll be helping others alongside doctors as well, and just helping them throughout their daily lives and making an impact on them,” said Damequa.
Ngozi is completing a dream of hers that began 25 years ago.
"I started nursing school in my country, about 25 years ago and I could not continue because of some circumstances. Now I find myself coming back to it,” Ngozi says.
“Because we are a small program, it’s not just about the classes and the skills. We also refine our students to become professionals in the way that they act, in the way that they dress. We are setting them up to be professionals,” said Patricia Harris, Program Administrator.
Columbus City Schools' Practical Nursing Program is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
The training nursing students receive in CCS' 12-month program gives them the opportunity to work in a variety of nursing settings where they can provide support in nursing homes, home health care, hospitals assisting Registered Nurses, doctors' offices, and schools, just to name a few.
“After one year, the average pay would be around $20-an-hour which is pretty significant when you’re not making minimum wage,” said Harris.
“I am nurturing by nature. I like to take care of people and make people feel good. I feel like this is the best way I can make my impact felt,” said Ngozi.