Toms River, NJ – In a pivotal moment that marks the culmination of the first phase of rigorous training, fifty-seven aspiring nurses at Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) were honored with the traditional nurse’s cap in a ceremony on March 26, 2024. This ceremonial recognition not only underscores their successful completion of numerous hours of classroom instruction and skills testing but also heralds the commencement of their specialty rotations in local healthcare facilities. Practical nurses, integral to the healthcare team, are adept at providing care to patients across a spectrum of needs under the guidance of registered nurses and licensed physicians.

The journey of the OCVTS nursing students continues as they gain valuable hands-on experience in the cutting-edge nursing skills laboratory at the OCVTS Toms River Center. This facility, a beneficiary of the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation's magnanimity, is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, including an advanced manikin capable of simulating various childbirth scenarios. This immersive learning environment is emblematic of OCVTS’s commitment to a practical, reality-based educational approach.

Further enhancing their educational experience, OCVTS has forged valuable partnerships with more than a dozen local hospitals and healthcare facilities. These alliances not only facilitate invaluable practical experience for the students but also allow them to seamlessly integrate theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom with real-world applications.

Looking ahead, the graduation ceremony slated for the end of June 2024 will mark the transition of these students to the next pivotal stage of their careers. Upon graduation, they will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN, thereby taking their next step toward becoming Licensed Practical Nurses in New Jersey. It is noteworthy that the pass rates of OCVTS nursing graduates have consistently exceeded both state and national averages, underscoring the program’s excellence.

The Practical Nursing Program at OCVTS, established in 1959 as the institution’s inaugural offering, is sanctioned by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Department of Education. Not only is it the largest vocational technical-based nursing program in New Jersey, but it also maintains a highly competitive admission process due to its limited class sizes and rigorous curriculum.

For additional information on the Practical Nursing program at Ocean County Vocational Technical School, please visit ocvts.org or contact 732.473.3100 extension 3137.