BSN Program Earns Highest NCLEX Pass Rate in the State

Each year, thousands of nursing graduates across the nation complete the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become licensed nurses. In 2019, Clarkson College Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates earned a 98 percent pass rate, the highest in the state of Nebraska.

“As the longest-standing nursing program in the state of Nebraska, we remain committed to student success,” said Director of Undergraduate Nursing Marsha Cravens, M.Ed., MSN, RN.  “Our high pass rates speak not only to the high quality and caliber of our students, but also our dedicated faculty who help prepare our students to provide exceptional and compassionate care.”

The BSN option at Clarkson College offers students a foundation in the sciences and humanities while emphasizing critical thinking, care for diverse populations and leadership development. The small class sizes as well as the hands-on opportunities in clinicals and the on-campus Interprofessional Learning Center prepare students to meet the NCLEX requirements.

Students within the program are also enrolled in the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) program that prepares them to pass the NCLEX. Individual tests are administered after each area of study is completed so students may address areas of weakness and become familiar with the NCLEX testing format.

The average NCLEX pass rate for the state of Nebraska in 2019 was 91 percent, and the average national pass rate was 88 percent. The exam is designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities that are essential for the safe and effective practice of entry-level nursing. All nurses who wish to practice in the United States must complete the NCLEX after graduating from an accredited nursing program.