University of Saint Mary Nursing Students Surpass the National First-Time Pass Rate for the NCLEX-RN

(Leavenworth, Kan.)—According to statistics released by the Kansas Board of Nursing, 92.98 percent of University of Saint Mary nursing students passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt. The national first-time pass rate is 91.78 percent – giving Saint Mary a distinct seat among top nursing programs in the state.

The NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized test used by state regulatory boards to determine if candidates are ready to become licensed as entry-level nurses.

"Year after year, the University of Saint Mary aims to create a critical-thinking environment – one where students are challenged to learn and reach their God-given potential," said Dr. Michelle Birdashaw, nursing division chair and assistant professor of nursing. "Our pass rate for first-time takers reinforces that our evidence-based education provides students with the tools they need to be successful at Saint Mary and beyond."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of registered nursing jobs will increase by 12 percent from 2018 to 2028. Saint Mary is helping fill the void by launching and sustaining well-regarded programs addressing positions of critical need.

Saint Mary is also one of the few Kanas City-area schools offering direct entry into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for incoming freshmen. In this program, students are guaranteed a seat in USM's nursing class once they've completed their prerequisite coursework and meet key academic milestones. At most colleges, students re-apply to nursing school after their sophomore year.

To learn more about any of USM's nationally accredited programs, visit stmary.edu/Nursing or contact Lisa Cohe, USM's health care programs admissions representative, at lisa.cohe@stmary.edu.

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The University of Saint Mary is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.