MILTON – 42 practical nursing students became the 97th graduating class of the Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center.

Of the 42 graduates in the 12-month, full-time program, 88 percent have secured employment or are in the process of interviewing for a position and plan to stay and work in the area.

“I commend you for following your calling to be a nurse,” said guest speaker Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) Executive Director Dr. Kevin Singer. “You will be a valuable addition to your health care facility and the Central Susquehanna Valley.”

Carol Barbarich, program director, presented awards to six students. Elizabeth Minor of Muncy received the achievement award for scoring the highest on a standardized achievement test.

Since 1967, the LPN Career Center has trained students for careers as practical nurses. The CSIU assumed operation of the program in 1997, and over the past 17 years, more than 500 students have graduated and 90 percent are successfully employed in this area.

The LPN Career Center offers a full-time and a part-time program, both of which are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing.

Diplomas were presented to the following local graduates:

Melanie Bowling, Muncy

Elizabeth Minor, Muncy

Sarah Musser, Picture Rocks

Denay Wodrig, Muncy