Thirty-two students completed Oakton Community College's nursing program this fall, and are now on their way to beginning rewarding careers in the health care industry. Oakton recognized the fall 2019 nursing graduates at a pinning ceremony Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Des Plaines campus.

"Congratulations to the Class of 2019," Nursing Chair Margaret Gas says. "This class was very supportive of each other and also provided tutoring and mentoring to other nursing students. We wish our nursing graduates the best of luck in their future endeavors."

The complete of graduates includes:

Stephanie Allegretti, Glenbrook North

Justine Barquez, Niles West

Olivia Bellair, Glenbrook South

Bailey Brzezowski, Maine West

Siobhan Davis, Niles North

Alexandra Franzese, Glenbrook North

Flynn Gallagher, Glenbrook North

Elizabeth Gilioli, Italy

Brigid Godley, Maine South

Olivia Hanusiak, Niles West

Jeanne Hontiveros, Niles West

Ivana Ivezic, Niles West

Liam Kirby, Niles North

Audrey Lee, Glenbrook South

Linda Lee, Niles North

Cristina Martinez, Resurrection

Gulzat Matkurbanova;

Shawna Ng, Woodland Hills High School (Pa.)

Maude Pacis, Sharyland High School (Texas)

Andrew Petkofski, Maine South

Mary Pius, Whitney Young

Rashik Rashid, Bangledesh

Dedra Roberts, Windsor Forest High School (Ga.)

Raanan Simand, Niles West

Catherine Tabin, Maine South

Mary Talbot, Milford High School (Mass.)

Sarah Tetzlaff, New Trier

Gina Valerugo, Resurrection

Adelina Varga, Niles West

Roseanne Villafania, Maine East

Asia Weil, Mongolia

Moe Weiner, New Trier

Barquez, Gallagher, Audrey Lee and Pius graduated with honors, earning a GPA between 3.5 and 3.74 in their collegiate studies.

Since 1984, more than 2,400 students have received an Associate of Applied Science-Nursing credential from Oakton. Instructional classes and labs feature a state-of-the-art nursing simulation hospital and nursing classrooms. Students enrich their learning through the clinical experiences offered in a variety of health care settings throughout the community.

Over the last five years, Oakton has averaged a first-time pass rate of approximately 92% on the NCLEX, the national licensure exam for nurses. In 2018, that passing rate reached an all-time high of 99%.

Of the approximately 100 Illinois Board of Nursing approved schools that offer an associate degree in nursing, Oakton ranks No. 5 and lands as the top-ranked such program in Cook County according to NursingProcess.org, a website that provides access to nursing education and career information.

Nurses are in high demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs for registered nurses are expected to grow faster than average through 2026, with a median salary of more than $68,000 per year.

Oakton's Nursing Program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Nursing is a limited enrollment program, and applications for fall 2020 are being accepted through Friday, Jan. 31. Admission requirements are posted at http://www.oakton.edu/academics/academic_departments/nur/admission_requirements.