Penn College nursing grads boast high licensing-exam pass rates

Published 04.25.2024

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A Pennsylvania College of Technology student checks heart and lung sounds on a simulation manikin. More than 95% of Penn College associate-degree and bachelor’s degree nursing graduates passed the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses on their first attempt in 2022-23, well above the state and national first-attempt pass rates.

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s nursing graduates again bested state and national pass rates on the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses.

Among Penn College associate degree graduates who took the exam between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept 30, 2023, 95.52% passed on their first attempt. Similarly, 95.12% of Penn College bachelor’s degree grads taking the exam during the same period passed on their first try.

The Pennsylvania first-time pass rate for that period was 90.7%, while the national pass rate was 86.73%.

“Our faculty and staff are incredibly proud of our nursing graduates, as they are well-prepared for the nursing profession,” said Tanae A. Traister, assistant dean of nursing and health sciences.

The NCLEX-RN is used by all state boards of nursing across the United States to assess a graduate’s competency and is required for licensure as a registered nurse. In Pennsylvania, a student must graduate from a recognized education program before sitting for the exam.

Penn College’s undergraduate nursing majors are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

The Penn College nursing program offers several degree options, including a master’s degree with a concentration in nursing education, a post-master’s certificate in nursing education, and traditional two- and four-year degrees, as well as pathways for licensed practical nurses to become RNs and for RNs with a diploma or associate degree to pursue a bachelor’s degree. It welcomes high school and transfer applicants for entry each semester.

To learn more about Penn College’s nursing majors, call 570-327-4525.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.