Pinning Ceremony Held for Delgado Practical Nursing Graduates of Accelerated Program

January 18, 2024

On Thursday, January 11, 2024, Delgado Community College held a pinning ceremony in the Timothy K. Baker Theatre on the City Park Campus for 14 students who are graduating from Delgado’s Practical Nursing Program through an accelerated track in partnership with Ochsner Health—one of many ways Delgado and Ochsner Health are working together to meet critical workforce needs for health care in Louisiana. 

The graduates are employed as either medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, imaging technicians or operating room assistants and selected by Ochsner Health to participate in the accelerated program at Delgado to become licensed practical nurses. While Delgado’s traditional practical nursing track is 16 months, the accelerated program is condensed to 12 months, but still requires students to complete the same 1,545 clock hours of instruction, along with an additional 455 hours of professional upskilling and mentorship at Ochsner Health facilities. Ochsner Health covers tuition, fees and other program expenses for these students.   

Dr. Cheryl Myers, Vice Chancellor for Student and Academic Affairs and College Provost said, “We are certainly very proud to be a partner with Ochsner in helping to educate the next generation of nurses who will take care of all of us when we need it. This group of students not only persevered through a very rigorous program—they did it in a condensed schedule—so I know that every one of us is very proud of them.”   

Dr. Joan Ellis, Charity School of Nursing Dean, said, “Without question, this is truly an exceptional group of graduates. They have been able to navigate through an intense, fast-paced program of study, while demonstrating excellence, grace and an unwavering commitment to reach their goal of becoming Charity School of Nursing graduates. Our entire team couldn't be prouder of their achievement. We are also very grateful for having the opportunity to partner with Ochsner Health to make this extraordinary journey possible.” 

Practical Nursing Graduates  

Ashley Aucoin 

Angelique Burks 

LaShon Drummond 

Delon Griffen 

Alley Guilbeau 

Leslie Hoffman 

Breion Lewis 

Arianne Mullins 

Misty Plana 

Tameyka Powell 

Heather Ramsey 

Naryssa Sandolph 

Courtney Washington 

Rachel Wiley 

Class Awards 

Florence Nightingale – Rachel Wiley 

Award of Distinction – Naryssa Sandolph 

Award of Service – Heather Ramsey 

Clinical Excellence Award – Courtney Washington 

Highest GPA – Rachel Wiley 

Learn more about Delgado’s nursing programs.