UofSC nursing graduates receive perfect pass rate on national licensure test
Posted on: September 5, 2018; Updated on: September 5, 2018
By John Brunelli, brunelli@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-3697
May 2018 graduates of the University of South Carolina College of Nursing set a record on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the standardized test used for the licensing of nurses in the U.S.
The cohort of 128 nursing students earned a first-time pass rate of 100 percent. The year-to-date average for the college is 99.5 percent. The national average is approximately 89 percent.
“The College of Nursing’s NCLEX pass rate continues to far exceed the state and national averages,” nursing dean Jeannette Andrews says. “This is especially impressive as we produce more bachelor of science in nursing graduates each year than the majority of the nursing programs in the U.S.”
The licensure pass rate has improved steadily in the past five years as changes have been made to the curriculum and teaching strategies for the College of Nursing.
“Our faculty have made several cutting-edge and innovative changes over the past few years to standardize the preceptor and faculty training, as well as enhancing the student training in simulation, in the classroom and in our partnerships with health systems,” Andrews says.
She says the improvements in nurse preparation can be seen especially in the program’s capstone course during the final semester.
The College of Nursing works closely with partner health care systems to standardize the clinical training experience.
“Hospital administrators know a USC graduate nurse will pass their boards and be ready for work,” Andrews says.
Nearly all of Carolina's nursing graduates secure a position within three months of graduation, with most having a job prior to commencement.
“Our program attracts stellar students across the state of South Carolina and beyond who commit to being a highly competent, safe and quality health care provider caring for individuals and families at the bedside and in the community,” Andrews says.
In addition to the bachelor's in nursing program, the College of Nursing also offers an online bachelor's program for registered nurses; master’s degrees in adult gerontology acute care, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health and nursing administration; and doctorates in nursing science and nursing practice.
Share this Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about