September 2026 Issue
On September 9, we marked the completion of the Marple Education Center expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bringing together DCIU leadership and board members, community partners and elected officials to commemorate this major milestone.
The celebration included tours of newly renovated and enhanced educational spaces, including our classrooms and simulation labs, which are helping us increase capacity and meet the growing demand for our program as we prepare the next generation of nurses!
When Kadiatu Rogers suddenly and unexpectedly lost her grandmother to a heart attack, she was left with questions that would ultimately shape her future. Her grandmother had not complained of the typical symptoms of a heart attack and appeared to be in good health, leaving Rogers and her family unaware that anything was wrong until it was too late.
That experience sparked a desire to understand the human body and, more importantly, learn how nurses can recognize subtle changes in a patient’s condition and respond before it is too late. That desire eventually led her to the DCIU Practical Nursing Program.
“I wanted to learn more about how the human body works and how nurses can recognize changes in a client’s condition in time, be proactive and provide the appropriate care,” Rogers said.
With no prior healthcare experience, Rogers entered the program ready to learn. Her experience at DCIU was challenging, but it was also transformative. She credits the program’s knowledgeable and supportive instructors, along with its lab and clinical experiences, with helping her develop both her skills and confidence as a future nurse.
“It was amazing,” she said. “The program was very challenging academically, but it helped me grow tremendously. I learned so much and gained a much deeper appreciation for the nursing profession.”
One of her favorite skills to learn was performing a head-to-toe assessment, an experience that helped her better understand the importance of carefully evaluating a patient and recognizing changes in their condition.
When it came time to take the NCLEX-PN, Rogers felt prepared for the challenge. More than simply teaching her nursing knowledge, DCIU taught her how to think critically– a skill she believes made all the difference when she sat for the licensing exam.
“Taking the NCLEX felt like taking another nursing exam,” she said. “The Practical Nursing Program taught me everything I needed to know and, most importantly, how to think critically like a nurse.”
Now a graduate and LPN, Rogers is taking time to care for herself as she searches for the right opportunity to begin her nursing career. She is excited about what comes next and has her sights set even higher: In five years, she hopes to be a registered nurse continuing to grow professionally.
“Attending DCIU was the best decision I have ever made,” she said. “It challenged me academically, helped me grow and greatly prepared me for the nursing profession.”
Briana Benning– Class 69
What convinced you to become an LPN? I wanted to start a career in healthcare and help support my family.
Why I chose DCIU: I really loved the layout of the program and how hands-on it is.
I am most excited about: Patient care.
After I graduate, my hope is that I… Secure a full time job and within a year or so do a RN bridge program.
Something interesting you may not know about me is: I am a vet tech.
When not studying, my hobbies are: Going places with my kids and gardening.
Advice I give myself and my classmates about getting through the Practical Nursing Program: Buckle down and study for the year, and you can completely change your life.
Have you previously worked in healthcare? I have before as a receptionist.
How did you learn about the Practical Nursing Program? My best friend completed this program about 4 years ago.
Michael Conboy– Class 69
What convinced you to become an LPN? I have always wanted to help people as my main line of work, but I struggled to find what I wanted to do. After many years of searching, I realized I wanted to do nursing. I wanted to become an RN, but after looking into it, I saw that becoming an LPN could get me out into the field much quicker.
Why I chose DCIU: I did my research and saw how many great reviews there were about this institution.
I am most excited about: Learning the different fields of nursing.
After I graduate, my hope is that I… Get a job in a special clinic or in home care.
Something interesting you may not know about me is: I am the first American in my family and the first to go to college.
When not studying, my hobbies are: Soccer, hanging out with friends and reading.
Advice I give myself and my classmates about getting through the Practical Nursing Program: Study, study, study!
Have you previously worked in healthcare? Yes, I worked in homecare.
How did you learn about the Practical Nursing Program? From a friend who works for DCIU.
Qu’Juan “Que” Faulks– Class 70
What convinced you to become an LPN? I always had a passion for helping others and wanted a rewarding career.
Why I chose DCIU: I chose DCIU because of the great clinical foundation the program offers, which is significantly better to help me become an amazing nurse.
I am most excited about: I am most excited about learning patient care, administering medications and clinical practice.
After I graduate, my hope is that I… Further my career in nursing getting an RN and BSN.
Something interesting you may not know about me is: I’m a big believer in faith! Giving back to the community and creating new business ideas. Just a few insiders: I used to play basketball in high school and a little in college.
When not studying, my hobbies are: Giving back to the community, and I also enjoy creating new business ideas
Advice I give myself and my classmates about getting through the Practical Nursing Program: Never give up!
Have you previously worked in healthcare? No, I never worked in healthcare. Only retail and transportation.
How did you learn about the Practical Nursing Program? Through a friend of the family.
NaTayah “Tayah” Slaughter– Class 70
What convinced you to become an LPN? Ever since I was young I had a longing for nursing, and seeing my family being nurses saving lives made me also want to make a difference in the world.
Why I chose DCIU: I’ve been to the DCTS Folcroft campus, and it’s made me want to continue learning with DCTS. They are welcoming, the teachers are helpful and I believe it will be the same here! I feel that DCIU is a great opportunity for anyone, not just because of the pricing, but also because of how much time it saves!
I am most excited about: I’m most excited to learn everything and get hands on!
After I graduate, my hope is that I… Work as an LPN and make a difference in the world!
Something interesting you may not know about me is: I love doing nails, being creative and coming up with new ideas
When not studying, my hobbies are: Drawing, swimming, going to amusement parks or reading.
Advice I give myself and my classmates about getting through the Practical Nursing Program: Don’t let anybody or anything stop you! Keep focused and you will succeed.
Have you previously worked in healthcare? No.
How did you learn about the Practical Nursing Program? When I was in the DCTS technical high school.
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Marple Education Center
85 N Malin Rd, Broomall, PA 19008
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