Butte College honored its first graduating class from the accelerated registered nursing program at a pinning ceremony on December 20, 2024, at the Paradise Alliance Church. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 45 students who completed the rigorous three-semester program, launched in January 2024, to address the critical shortage of registered nurses in Butte and Glenn Counties and surrounding areas.
During the ceremony, Laurie Meyer, program director for nursing, addressed the graduates with a heartfelt message. “Class 1, this is your moment. You are pioneers. You have set the bar, defined what is possible, and proven that hard work, perseverance, and heart can achieve incredible things. This ceremony is not only a celebration of your academic success but the beginning of your journey into one of the most noble and honorable professions — nursing,” she said.
The accelerated program, which runs through spring, summer, and fall semesters, provides a faster pathway to nursing education. It combines online coursework with hands-on clinical training. Of the 48 students who began the program, 45 completed it. One-third of the graduates have already secured positions as registered nurses, reflecting the program’s success in meeting local workforce needs.
The next cohort, consisting of 48 students, has already been admitted and will begin later this month. This cohort will continue the program’s mission of addressing the region's growing demand for healthcare professionals. Admittance into the program is based on a point system that evaluates applicants on factors such as TEAS test scores, academic performance in key sciences, healthcare experience, and local residency.
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Butte College
3536 Butte Campus Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
Content editor:
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