Sixteen women made up the 2005 class of practical nurses — the third such class to be pinned since the program’s inception.

They were honored Friday night in a ceremony that highlighted their accomplishments.

And those were vast.

“These students have sacrificed an in–credible am–ount,” Pro–gram Dir–ector Mar–ilyn Bouldin said.

They have given up full-time jobs and time with their families.

To earn their Practical Nursing Licenses, students had to spend three semesters. The third six-week semester is spent mostly in a clinical setting.

Passing a state-administered test earns the student a certificate in practical nursing and allows them to enter the R.N. program.

It’s a full-time commitment. First-year students generally spend two days in class and two days in the clinical environment.

“It’s a very difficult course,” Bouldin said. “It’s very intense and takes a lot of commitment and motivation and energy right to the end.”

It is recommended — but not required — that aspiring nurses first earn their certification as a nurse’s aide.

“It’s a great way to see if the program is right for you,” Bouldin said. “Some people think nursing sounds glamorous. They don’t have a realistic idea of what it really is.”