Opportunities abound for Licking Valley nursing student
Published on Apr 16, 2024
by Megan Smedley
Olivia “Liv” Tucker began taking dual credit classes through Maysville Community & Technical College during her junior year of high school.
She says the dual credit courses she took jump-started her success because she could take college courses at a fraction of the cost while still receiving high school credit.
“When I learned how quickly I could finish my basics, I stuck to it,” she said.
The Harrison County native said she eventually got to a point where she had no classes left to take before she began the nursing program.
“I had looked at other colleges throughout Kentucky, however, I always circled back to ֲý. ֲý was close to home, it was affordable, and I could graduate with my ADN at the age of 19. ֲý sounded like a win-win for me, and it has been that ever since,” said Tucker. “Once I entered the program, it felt like home. The instructors and overall environment at the LVC make you feel comfortable.”
She says from a young age, she knew she wanted to be a nurse.
“I was always intrigued by how the human body worked and I love taking care of people,” she said. “I started working as a CNA the summer before entering the program and that's when I truly fell in love with all things nursing. I knew nursing was my calling.”
Tucker currently works at Harrison Memorial Hospital as a part of an externship opportunity she has through the nursing program at ֲý. She takes her classes on the Licking Valley Campus and then receives hands-on experience at the hospital, while simultaneously earning a paycheck.
She is set to graduate from the nursing program next month.
Melanie Morris, assistant program coordinator of the associate degree nursing program, has had the privilege of being a part of Tucker’s journey through the program for the past two years.
“Liv has been great to work with as a student. She is always prepared for lectures, labs, and clinicals which are so important to the process of not only attaining knowledge but also taking that knowledge and applying it to real-life scenarios.”
Tucker says her younger sister, who graduates high school this year, has seen what ֲý has to offer and wants to continue in her footsteps.
The ADN program prepares graduates to provide and manage patient care and to become valuable members within the discipline of nursing.
In addition to the Licking Valley Campus, the ADN program is also offered on the Maysville Campus and the Montgomery Campus in Mount Sterling.