Nursing Graduates Exceed National and State Pass Rates for License Exam
University of Scranton nursing program graduates’ average pass rate for National Council Licensure Examination places Scranton among the top 22 percent of colleges and universities in Pennsylvania. In the University’s nursing simulation laboratory, current nursing students Kristen Pecka and Steven Spironello of Allentown and Kelley Wolcott of Duryea use realistic patient care models to improve patient assessment skills, to develop and enhance critical thinking skills, and to learn to respond to emergency situations in a safe patient care setting.
University of Scranton nursing program graduates once again have exceeded the National Council Licensure Examination average pass rates at the state and national levels for first-time test-takers between Oct. 1, 2010, and Sept. 30, 2011, which is the most current data available concerning the University’s Class of 2011.
The University of Scranton’s pass rate of 93.65 percent places it in the top 22 percent of colleges and universities in Pennsylvania and well above the State’s average pass rate of 87.66 percent.
The average national pass rate year-to-date for first-time students with a baccalaureate degree is 89.54 percent, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.
According to Patricia Harrington, R.N., Ed.D., associate professor and chair of the University’s Mary Eileen McGurrin, R.N., M.S.N., Department of Nursing, The University of Scranton closely monitors the pass rates of its nursing graduates. As of October 2010, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires nursing education programs to maintain a minimum pass rate of 80 percent for the national licensure examination, which increased from the 2009 minimum average requirement of 70 percent.
Dr. Harrington noted the University’s pass rate is usually above both state and national averages. She credits its students, curriculum and faculty for its strong pass rates.
“The curriculum, the on-campus laboratory simulation practice, and extensive clinical experience provide our students with the foundation they need for the licensure examinations,” said Dr. Harrington. “The University’s nursing program has a strong clinical focus that provides students with hands-on practice in specialized areas such as medical-surgical, operating room, labor and delivery, and pediatrics, as well as nursing leadership, critical care and community health.”
The University of Scranton’s nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has full approval of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
