Having career opportunities after completing the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program is nearly a sure thing.
National Council Licensure Examination results recently came in, and they show that 95% of 2026 graduates from the Herkimer BOCES program passed the licensed practical nursing NCLEX on their first try.
The program also boasts a 100% job placement rate for graduates who pass the NCLEX.
“The takeaway is basically that deciding to join our LPN program can be life-changing for our students,” Herkimer BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Marcia Thomas-Bruce said. “It’s their opportunity, and they can do anything they want with it. They can use it as a steppingstone or they can begin their career as an LPN.”
The 95% NCLEX passage rate on first attempts is an increase from the program’s average of 84%. Graduates also are able to take the NCLEX again – eventually leading to higher overall passage rates.
Local healthcare facilities love the positive results from Herkimer BOCES because they are eager to hire Herkimer BOCES graduates to work as LPNs, Thomas-Bruce said. She is receiving frequent calls from representatives of local facilities looking for a chance to talk to the students, she said.
“That’s good for the program,” she said.
New classes to support prospective students
The positive results for graduates also come at a time when the Adult Practical Nursing program is gearing up recruiting for the next round of students with its Open House on Nov. 9 and admissions test review classes throughout November and December.
Admissions testing will begin in January 2027. Local adults interested in joining the program can let Herkimer BOCES know by completing a quick form at www.herkimer-boces.org/forms/lpn. Other ways to begin the admission process include emailing mbaker@herkimer-boces.org or calling 315-867-2206 or 315-867-2209.
To help people who might be interested in joining the program, Herkimer BOCES is launching free review classes for the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test required to join the program.
The KNAT review classes are scheduled for Nov. 6, Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. The classes will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the nursing program’s home in the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center at 420 E. German St. in Herkimer.
Space in the classes is limited. To sign up, send an email to mbaker@herkimer-boces.org.
The KNAT review classes are open to anyone – even those just exploring whether they are interested in joining the program, Thomas-Bruce said.
Attending one or more review classes is optional for potential students, but attending more than one class would be beneficial, Thomas-Bruce said.
Nursing teachers know the subjects of the admissions test – not specifics – and can give students the tools they need, she said.
“We will give people a little bit of preparation and guide them in the right direction,” Thomas-Bruce said.
The classes are a starting point not just for the KNAT, but also for applying for the program in general and finding success as a student, Thomas-Bruce said.
Herkimer BOCES has a robust admissions process and high-level criteria for students to enter the program, she said.
“That’s important to prepare them for what lies ahead,” she said.
Open House and beyond
Local adults considering becoming LPNs also are invited to attend the nursing program’s Open House from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center at 420 E. German St. in Herkimer.
During the Open House, visitors will have the opportunity to speak with faculty and staff, find out more about financial aid opportunities, visit classrooms, see class in session and explore the simulation lab, practice lab and computer lab. Representatives will also be on hand from ACCES-VR, On Point and Working Solutions.
There are three different options for students entering the Adult Practical Nursing Program: a 12-month full-time class, a 20-month part-time day class and a 20-month part-time evening class.
Classes for the next full-time program begin in July 2027, with graduation in June 2028. Classes for the part-time day and part-time evening programs begin in September 2027, with graduation in June 2029. Find more information about the program at www.herkimer-boces.org/lpn.
Open House and the review classes can be the start of the journey for LPN students, Thomas-Bruce said.
“Finding out the information they need about the program and preparing for the entrance exams are some of the first steps in the hard work and dedication needed to graduate, pass the NCLEX exams and find jobs in healthcare,” she said. “It all ties together.”
Current Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program students pose together in the program’s practice lab at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center in Herkimer. From left: part-time day student Tavia Schaffer, part-time day student Fatima Mendez, full-time student Kaitlyn Kinne, part-time day student Mataya Levellie, part-time day student Christina Losurdo and full-time student Nanmoethandar Bu.
Current Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program students in the part-time day program pose together in the program’s practice lab at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center in Herkimer. From left: part-time day students Sara Brown, Jami Monk, Tyann Freeman, Cherish Supino, Kimberlee Johnson, Megan Angell, Katelyn Morrell, Aletha Trotta and Sophia Simmons.