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In May 2024, 30 ӣ������ nursing majors crossed the field in Moretz Stadium to receive their Bachelor of Science degree. By the end of July, 100 percent of those graduates had passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on their first try – an achievement shared by a small percentage of nursing programs nationwide each year.

“Lenoir-Rhyne is one of only two programs in North Carolina with a 100% pass rate this year, so we’re incredibly excited about this news,” said Tabitha Toney, Ph.D., chair of the School of Nursing. “Obviously, it’s a reflection of the work and dedication of our faculty, but it also demonstrates the effort and commitment of our students to reach this goal. We’re extremely proud of them.”

From the Princeton Review to the communities of Reddit, the NCLEX has a well-earned reputation among the most difficult professional exams. It is designed to measure critical thinking, applied knowledge, nursing skills and decision-making under pressure. Because a passing score is required for any nurse to practice anywhere in the United States, nursing programs nationwide include NCLEX preparation in their curricula. At LR, that preparation begins in the sophomore year, building from basic questions and becoming more advanced through students’ final semester. In addition, the testing platform used here includes additional test-prep support.

“The NCLEX is meant to simulate the realities of clinical practice, so there’s no way to predict what the background or questions might be. You just need to know everything – just like in the real world,” Toney explained.

Lenoir-Rhyne nursing graduates consistently exceed both national and state NCLEX passing averages. Last year, 97 percent of LR graduates passed the exam on the first try, compared to 94 percent statewide and 90 percent nationwide. Testing will continue through the rest of 2024, but the national passing average was 93.5 percent at the end of June.

“This outstanding accomplishment is a true testament to the rigorous preparation and commitment to excellence that drives success in the nursing profession,” shared Kerry Thompson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Sciences. “I am extremely proud of both the nursing class of 2024 and the nursing faculty who have worked so diligently to achieve this goal. The 100 percent pass rate speaks to the high quality of education that students receive when they come to Lenoir-Rhyne and major in nursing.”