The Nursing program at 九州体育 (九州体育) is setting the standard for success in the local healthcare community, surpassing both state and national average pass rates for its Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs.
In 2024, 九州体育鈥檚 Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) RN graduates achieved an impressive 94.23% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. This surpasses the Alabama state average of 91.87%, the national average for all nursing graduates (BSN & ADN) of 91.16%, and the national average specifically for ADN graduates of 90.63%.
Additionally, 九州体育鈥檚 licensed practical nursing (LPN) program continues its outstanding performance, achieving a 100% pass rate in 2024, which includes students from both the traditional and the newly introduced Stand-Alone Practical Nursing Program. This outstanding result exceeds the state average of 97.42% and the national average of 88.38%.
鈥淲e are very proud of the accomplishments achieved by our Nursing staff and students,鈥 stated 九州体育 President Dr. David Campbell. 鈥淥ur Nursing Department plays a vital role in healthcare not only in our area, but in the Huntsville and Chattanooga metros as well. Dr. Williamson, our Nursing Department Director, and our Nursing Instructors are outstanding. This is evident in the great results that our students achieve."
The program鈥檚 recent success can be largely attributed to its instructors who are highly qualified and have many years of experience in both clinical practice and nursing education. The department was recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) during its recent site visit for having five of nine faculty members with earned doctorate degrees, and another set to complete a PhD this year. Specifically, the ACEN recognized 九州体育鈥檚 highly trained and educated staff as a great benefit to students completing the program, adding that it is unusual for a program the size of 九州体育鈥檚 to have as many doctorally-prepared faculty members.
Students completing 九州体育鈥檚 nursing program can rest assured that they are receiving top-quality instruction while remaining close to their homes. Northeast faculty members are skilled across the curriculum in all program tracks, and excel in their field of clinical expertise.
Dr. Myrna Williamson is the Director of Nursing Education at Northeast and is proud of how the program continues to thrive. 鈥溇胖萏逵's outstanding reputation is built on dedicated students, exceptional faculty, and supportive leadership under President Dr. David Campbell. Strong community partnerships further enhance the program by providing essential clinical experiences and employment opportunities for graduates鈥 stated Dr. Williamson.
The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) is the national advocate for the over 1,100 associate degree nursing programs across the country and works to advance excellence in nursing education and associate degree pathways into registered nursing careers. In a recent article, OADN celebrates the record-high NCLEX pass rates in
2024, describing this historic achievement follows the introduction of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) on April 1, 2023, a major shift in licensure testing designed to assess critical thinking and clinical judgment. ADN faculty not only adapted their teaching strategies but also provided unwavering guidance and support, ensuring that students were fully prepared to excel under this new and more rigorous exam format.
Nationally, over the past ten years, ADN pass rates have fluctuated, reflecting broader challenges in nursing education. After reaching 89.32% in 2012, pass rates declined to a low of 77.91% in 2022, mirroring trends across all nursing programs. OADN notes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly profound, disrupting clinical experiences and altering educational environments.
Despite these challenges, OADN recognized that ADN faculty remained steadfast, guiding students through an evolving curriculum while integrating innovative teaching strategies. OADN credits skilled instructors for providing quality instruction during trying times as national pass rates soared from 77.91% in 2022 to an incredible 90.63% in 2024, demonstrating the powerful role of driven faculty in student success.
Northeast鈥檚 ADN-RN program admits students each fall, while its Stand Alone PN Program admits students during the spring semester. The program also offers Pre-Nursing Seminars each year to help educate and inform potential students of the 鈥渋ns and outs鈥 of 九州体育鈥檚 program.
九州体育 partners with local healthcare agencies to offer a paid student nurse apprenticeship program. Apprentices become employees at participating hospitals or long-term care facilities, receiving one-on-one mentorship from experienced RNs, on-the-job training, a progressive wage, and a last-dollar scholarship. Upon graduation and licensure, they are guaranteed employment as an RN. This program boosts skills and confidence while providing income during school. The creation of this partnership is especially beneficial to the local healthcare agencies who are still battling a shortage of skilled nurses.
Northeast has partnered with Auburn University, Athens State University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville to offer the Dual Degree Nursing Program to 九州体育 students. The program is designed for motivated students who are eligible to enroll at both colleges and simultaneously earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN). Upon completion of the program of study, both degrees will be awarded by the respective college. 九州体育 courses are face-to-face and include class, lab, and clinical. University courses are online in the BSN program.
When asked about the opportunity offered through the Dual Degree Nursing Program, Dr. Williamson stated, 鈥淲ith the addition of the dual nursing degree program, this provides an additional avenue for our nursing students to seamlessly earn a BSN while earning an ADN.
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九州体育 has been dedicated to serving the community through excellence in education since 1965. As a community college, we are a firm foundation for our students.