Bridget Montgomery, LPN, a 2022 graduate of the GACTC Practical Nursing program, was awarded the 2023 Donald and Nancy Devorris Nursing Scholarship in May 2023. Bridget is completing a Bachelor’s degree in registered nursing with Mount Aloysius College, an endeavor she started while enrolled in the practical nursing program. 
Prior to her graduation in August 2022, Bridget was the recipient of a scholarship from the Pennsylvania Association of Practical Nursing Administrators (PAPNA) from the central PA region. Annually, PAPNA awards three scholarships, one from each section of the state, including eastern, western, and central Pennsylvania. Ms. Montgomery was the class president of the 2021-2022 GACTC part-time Practical Nursing class. At the time of the award, Lisa Urban, GACTC Practical Nursing Program Coordinator, remarked that Bridget “already embarked on a specific plan to further her education in the nursing profession beyond LPN. She is supportive and kind to all including classmates, patients, and clinical staff.”
Mary Prorok, RN, faculty in the GACTC practical nursing program, when asked about Bridget, “We are so proud of Bridget. She was an exceptional student, always willing to help. She is a hard worker and a great role model to show that hard work pays off!”
“My time at the GACTC helped shape me into my role as a nurse” Bridget shared of her experience at the GACTC. “I knew almost instantly after starting a job at UPMC Altoona that I wanted to further my education and career in nursing. With the support of my husband and kids, I was able to enroll at Mount Aloysius College in January of 2022 and start full-time to complete necessary prerequisite courses while finishing the LPN program at GACTC. But the hard work, long hours of studying and sacrifices made are getting closer to fruition. I finished the first part of my RN program with my ASN in December of 2023, and plan to continue on to my Master’s degree specializing in Nursing Education.” Bridget offered the following advice for future nursing students: “Take the first step, commit to it, and stay focused on the goal. Do not let fear, doubt or excuses get in the way.”
Congratulations, Bridget!
To learn more about our practical nursing program, please visit our practical nursing program webpage.
