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Lacombe, LA — Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) proudly celebrated a historic milestone on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, as the college hosted its first-ever Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN-RN) Pinning Ceremony. Held at the Fleur de Lis Event Center in Mandeville, the event honored 18 pioneering graduates who now represent the first registered nurses to complete the program based solely on the Northshore.

The ASN-RN program, launched in response to Louisiana’s statewide nursing shortage, prepares students for licensure as registered nurses through rigorous academic instruction and hands-on clinical training. Since welcoming its first class, the program has expanded to support four active cohorts and continues to grow to meet workforce demands.

“This inaugural class of ASN-RN graduates marks a significant milestone for NTCC and our region,” said Dr. Jim Carlson, Chancellor of NTCC. “These students have set the standard for excellence, resilience, and compassion. Their contributions to the healthcare field will be felt for years to come.”

Christi Marceaux, Dean of Health Sciences and Nursing, delivered a heartfelt message during the ceremony: “the ceremony was more than a celebration of academic achievement—it marked the culmination of growth, perseverance, and unwavering commitment.”

She continued, reflecting on the broader impact of the program: “This is more than a milestone for our college—it’s a promise to our region. As the first ASN program solely based on the Northshore, we are investing in developing our own nurses, right here at home.”

NTCC is also expanding its health sciences footprint. The college recently received approval for a new Patient Navigator program and was awarded a H.E.R.O. Grant of nearly $500,000 to launch a Surgical Technology program.

“I can only hope that the first students in those programs have the same pioneer spirit, courage, and adaptability as these 18 nurse graduates,” Marceaux added. NTCC expresses deep appreciation to the families, faculty, and community partners who helped make the evening and the program a success. Their ongoing support through mentorship, clinical placements, and encouragement has been vital in establishing the future of nursing on the Northshore.

The college proudly congratulates the inaugural ASN-RN Class of May 2025 and looks forward to the impact these new nurses will make in healthcare settings throughout southeast Louisiana.