NRI Institute Of Health Sciences Graduates New Healthcare Professionals
Story by Shannon Anastasio | Photos by Denise Fleischman
The NRI Institute of Health Sciences held its most recent commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 1 at the original Wellington Mall. A total of 18 students received associate of science degrees in nursing (ASN) and seven graduated from the diagnostic medical sonography (DSM) program.
At the ceremony, Pastor Michael Rose gave the invocation, while State Rep. Anne Gerwig was the guest speaker. Student speakers included Wendy Hernandez and Michelle Mathis of the nursing program, and Jeeline Hillaire of the sonography program.
“When we began this path, many of us were driven by a simple yet profound desire: to make a difference,” Hernandez said. “What we didn’t fully understand then, but surely do now, is just how deeply nursing would change us.”
She credited the NRI team and her fellow students with helping her along in the process.
“The reason I was able to keep going and push forward was not only because of my stubborn drive to become a nurse, but because of those around me who helped support me,” Hernandez said.
Mathis has worked as a licensed practice nurse (LPN) for more than 20 years and returned to school to become a registered nurse (RN). During her speech, she thanked the many professors at NRI for their support in making her dream possible.
“The wonderful staff gave endlessly of their time and support, lectures after lectures, test after test,” she said.
She urged her fellow graduates to remember that nursing is a calling.
“It’s about serving others with your hands, your heart and your knowledge,” Mathis said. “It’s about listening to your patients, understanding their fears and being their source of strength when they feel weak. You’re not just healthcare providers — you’re healers, comforters, educators and advocates.”
Hilaire is completing a career change from teacher to medical sonographer. She congratulated her fellow graduates and reminded them of the importance of their calling.
“Some may say all we do is press buttons all day, but we do more than that,” she said. “We are at the forefront of seeing blood flow through the body, plaque that may form along the veins or arteries, cysts in different parts of the body, the heart as it contracts, and one of my favorites, the heartbeat of a little person growing inside of a woman.”
At the NRI Institute of Health Sciences, students are provided with the tools, support and education necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving field. The institution takes great pride in nurturing the aspirations of future healthcare professionals, guiding them every step of the way toward fulfilling careers.
“Students interested in either a nursing or sonography career thrive at NRI,” Chief Administrative Officer Dan Splain said. “With seasoned professors boasting both master’s and doctorate degrees, and our small class settings, students are offered the ability to learn on a more personal level, with faculty that is highly approachable.”
Splain was very impressed by the new NRI graduates.
“In this commencement ceremony, we were proud to announce that four of our nursing graduates had already passed their NCLEX and were officially RNs,” Splain said. “Additionally, our NRI commencement was a family affair with one set of the ASN graduates being a mother and daughter team. We were also excited to announce that all of our DMS students graduated with honors.”
At NRI, the curriculum is thoughtfully designed to incorporate traditional learning methods with innovative and engaging teaching techniques. This approach ensures that students not only acquire essential knowledge but also develop the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills necessary for success.
The faculty at NRI is comprised of highly qualified educators who are committed to providing a personalized learning experience, facilitated by small class sizes, allowing for individual attention. The institution’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment helps students build confidence and acquire the essential skills needed for a successful healthcare career.
Splain said that Program Director Elizabeth Stolkowski helps make the school’s program unique. She holds not only a master’s of science degree in nursing (MSN), but also a master’s degree in education and a law degree.
“She is very available to all students, offering one-on-one assessment of learning styles and testing strategies, and continuous support, even after graduation, to make sure students are prepared for their NCLEX and beyond,” he said.
The NRI Institute of Health Sciences offers specialized training in nursing, diagnostic medical sonography and medical assisting.
The ASN program is designed to prepare students for careers as professional registered nurses in various healthcare settings. The curriculum is structured around core nursing concepts that equip students to promote, maintain and restore the health of patients across different life stages.
The DSM program trains graduates to work in hospitals, radiology centers, doctor’s offices and independent imaging centers. Additionally, the Medical Assisting Program provides students with the necessary training to excel in diverse healthcare environments, offering a blend of intellectual growth and professional development.
With a strong emphasis on industry requirements, these programs ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare sector.
Beyond education, NRI is dedicated to uplifting the local community by equipping students with valuable skills that lead to promising employment opportunities. By maintaining high educational standards, NRI enables students to achieve both academic excellence and professional success.
For anyone interested in a healthcare career, the NRI admissions team is readily available to guide applicants through each stage of enrollment.
The NRI Institute of Health Sciences is located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31-32, in the original Wellington Mall. To learn more, call (561) 688-5112, e-mail at info@nriinstitute.edu or visit www.nriinstitute.edu.
