“When it came time to choose a nursing program, Belmont College stood out because of its strong reputation, supportive instructors, hands-on clinical experience, and the flexibility it offered while I continued working.” — Angelica Neal
Growing up locally in Barnesville, Ohio, I always knew I wanted a career where I could make a positive difference in people’s lives. Nursing gave me the opportunity to combine my passion for helping others with a stable and rewarding profession. That dream led me to Belmont College’s Practical Nursing program and set me on the path toward a career I truly love.
When it came time to choose a nursing program, Belmont College stood out because of its strong reputation, supportive instructors, hands-on clinical experience, and the flexibility it offered while I continued working. As a non-traditional student, I attended nursing school while working full-time, so balancing my responsibilities wasn’t always easy. Staying organized, planning ahead, and carefully managing my time helped me stay focused on my goals and ultimately succeed.
My experience at Belmont was both challenging and rewarding. The instructors were knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in my success. They helped prepare me with the skills and confidence I needed to begin my nursing career.
After graduating from Belmont’s Practical Nursing program, I began working as an LTC LPN at a Continuous Care Center, where I’ve gained valuable hands-on experience caring for patients. Every day, I rely on the clinical skills, critical thinking, patient assessment, medication administration, communication, and teamwork I developed during my time at Belmont to provide safe, compassionate care.
Although earning my LPN was a significant milestone, it wasn’t the end of my educational journey. I’m currently enrolled in the LPN-to-RN Transition Program at Ohio University Zanesville, with an expected graduation in 2027. I’m also taking several BSN courses to get a head start on the next phase of my career.
The biggest challenge I faced was balancing work, school, and my personal life. There were times when it felt overwhelming, but I stayed disciplined, kept a schedule, and continually reminded myself of my “why,” which was a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Looking back, every challenge made me stronger and better prepared for my nursing career.
If I could offer advice to current or future nursing students, it would be this: stay organized, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and never give up when things get difficult. Nursing school is challenging, but the hard work is absolutely worth it. Believe in yourself and lean on your instructors and classmates for support—they truly want to see you succeed.
I would absolutely recommend Belmont College’s Practical Nursing program to others. The quality education, valuable clinical experiences, and supportive faculty gave me the knowledge and confidence to begin my nursing career and continue pursuing my goal of becoming a registered nurse.
Belmont College gave me the foundation I needed to begin a career I’m passionate about, and I’m excited to continue growing as a nurse while making a positive impact on the lives of my patients.