Two recent Colquitt County High School graduates have achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) on their first attempt. Kendall Meeks and Leah Yearby, both members of the inaugural dual enrollment Practical Nursing program class, are now officially Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in the state of Georgia.
The achievement represents the continued success of the innovative partnership between Colquitt Regional Medical Center, Colquitt County School District, and Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC). Both students completed their high school education while simultaneously earning their Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from SRTC in May 2025.
The NCLEX-PN is a standardized exam that every practical nursing graduate must pass to obtain licensure and practice as an LPN. The examination tests the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective nursing practice at the entry level.
"We are incredibly proud of Kendall and Leah's achievements," said Southern Regional Technical College President Jim Glass. "Their success validates our belief that high school students, when given the right support and opportunities, can excel in rigorous healthcare programs. These young nurses represent the future of healthcare in our region, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their communities."
The dual enrollment practical nursing program was established in response to nursing shortages highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides an accelerated pathway for selected Colquitt County High School students to graduate with both their high school diploma and a practical nursing diploma, addressing critical healthcare workforce needs in Southwest Georgia.
Both Meeks and Yearby are now eligible to begin their careers as Licensed Practical Nurses, contributing to the healthcare workforce in their community while also having the option to continue their nursing education to pursue advanced degrees in the field.
Southern Regional Technical College offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get students quickly into their desired careers, and 38 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in eleven counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of its students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, interested individuals can log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205-3449.
Spring semester begins January 13. Don't wait, enroll today!