Geisinger School of Nursing celebrates Class of 2023 nurse graduates

LEWISTOWN, Pa. – Twenty-three students graduated from the Geisinger School of Nursing on Aug. 4, earning their diploma in professional nursing. 

Upon completion of a national board exam, 60% of the graduates will continue their journey with Geisinger as registered nurses. The remainder secured jobs with other organizations, giving the class a 100 percent post-graduation employment rate. The Geisinger School of Nursing gives students a solid knowledge base and exposure to the clinical area to produce competent and high-quality graduate nurses who are ready to practice in today's challenging health care environment.

“Nurses are so important to us here at Geisinger and to health care in general,” said Beth Finkbiner, director of Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing. “Our nursing school is committed to making sure each student is set up for success and prepared to take the very best care of our patients and our local community. We’re so proud of our graduates and wish to congratulate them.” 

Geisinger School of Nursing class of 2023 is the final diploma program at Geisinger. Beginning in 2024, nursing students will be working toward earning their associate degree in nursing. 

“We’re extremely excited about our nursing school expansion – both in terms of our program and also with our relocation to downtown Lewistown,” noted Finkbiner. 

Geisinger School of Nursing announced in 2022 the purchase of property at 111 E. Market St. in downtown Lewistown. “The space will be ideal for our students and faculty,” said Stacey Osborne, chief nursing officer, Geisinger Western Region. “No matter where our students are in their nursing journey, our two-year nursing program gives them the hands-on training they need in a hospital setting. With experienced faculty members and staff to guide their every step, they’ll gain the skills and knowledge to become the best nurse they can be.”

The nursing school program opened in August 2005 and is competency and evidence-based, with both clinical and theoretical components. It also offers an advanced placement option for qualified LPNs. The school maintains high NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) pass rates. Geisinger School of Nursing is ranked as one of the best nursing programs in Pennsylvania by registerednursing.org. 

The school’s term begins in August. Financial aid and various scholarships are available for students who meet eligibility requirements. Visit go.geisinger.edu/son or call 717-242-7930 to learn more and apply for the associate degree in nursing program.

Congratulations to all the graduates:
- Makaila Auker, Richfield
- Kimberly Beachel, Middleburg
- Casey Dobson, Milroy
- Daniel Forster, Pennsylvania Furnace
- Breanna Heckman, Liverpool
- Jennifer L. Huffnagle, Lewistown
- Chantzen S. Imes, Mifflintown
- Riley Lantz, Middleburg
- Rejina Luck, McClure
- Brittany Magill, Mapleton Depot
- Jessica Lee McCoy, Lewistown
- Sara Miller, Mill Creek
- Amanda Mitch, Beaver Springs
- Taylor N. Phillips, McClure
- Kylie Ranck, Granville
- Madison E. Ream, Burnham
- Maddie Renninger, McClure
- Aliyia Shoop, Halifax
- Hannah Smullen, Selinsgrove
- Macie Taylor, Alexandria
- Andrew Vaughn, Entriken
- Andrea Weber, East Waterford

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the non-profit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 134 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses, and Geisinger Health Plan, with 600,000 members in commercial and government plans. The Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,600 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $14 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country.  Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.