Northwest practical nursing program celebrates continued excellence

Aug. 5, 2025 – Northwest Mississippi Community College’s Practical Nursing program is once again proving to be one of the top programs in the state, with its faculty and students achieving notable milestones in the past semester.

The program recently celebrated a major academic accomplishment: for the third consecutive year, all nine of its student cohorts achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), the national exam required for licensure as a practical nurse.

“Without passing the NCLEX, the time spent in the program would be a waste,” said Program Director Betty Ginn. “This kind of success shows the strength of our students, our curriculum, and especially our instructors.”

Ginn was recently honored by her peers across the state, being selected as chair of the Mississippi Council of Directors in Practical Nursing. She received the organization’s leadership gavel at its annual retreat, held this year at East Mississippi Community College. She will serve in the role through June 2026.

The program’s success, Ginn said, stems not only from student determination but also from the instructors’ ongoing commitment to growth and excellence. Six Practical Nursing faculty members are currently pursuing or have recently completed advanced degrees.

Ginn and Paula Geeter, lead instructor at the DeSoto Center, are both working toward their Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Two other instructors—Jessica Barham of the Senatobia campus and adjunct faculty member Desire Tidwell in Oxford—are pursuing their Master of Nursing Practice degrees. Meanwhile, Sherri Watkins recently earned her master’s, and adjunct instructor Molly Davis is working toward a bachelor’s degree.

“These instructors work 12 months a year to ensure students obtain what they need to succeed in the real world,” Ginn said. “Many take work home with them just to make sure nothing is lost in the classroom or clinical experience.”

The program plays an active role in promoting health and wellness throughout the region. With every student who graduates and becomes a licensed nurse, Northwest continues its mission of strengthening communities through education, service, and professional leadership.