Augustana University’s December 2019 Accelerated Nursing Program graduates achieved a 100% pass rate when taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for the first time. Twenty-four Augustana graduates who earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) took the exam in early 2020.
“Our consistently high NCLEX pass rates, along with our accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, demonstrates the high quality of education received at Augustana University,” said Lynn White, assistant professor of nursing and chair of Augustana’s nursing department.
The NCLEX exam is a standardized test that every state's regulatory board uses to determine readiness for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Augustana’s Accelerated Nursing Program has a history of high NCLEX pass rates, consistently higher than both the state of South Dakota and the national average.
“The success of these students is a reflection of not only the high quality of students admitted to the nursing program, but also the dedication and excellence of the nursing program faculty, both in the classroom and in the clinical practice settings.” White added, “Our strong partnerships with area clinical agencies is also a contributing factor to our student excellence.”
Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; increasing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as this group leads longer and more active lives.
About Augustana’s Department of Nursing
For more than 75 years, Augustana's Department of Nursing has been a regional leader in preparing nurses. The innovative program values excellence and service and provides experiences for students to cultivate their personal, intellectual and professional growth. Augustana graduates are prepared to address issues in a complex 21st century health care environment.
Augustana University offers a baccalaureate program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Augustana is a 4-year professional nursing program with a liberal arts curriculum as its foundation.
The university’s post-baccalaureate Accelerated Nursing Program is a full-time plan of study designed for students who have a college degree and have completed the prerequisite courses. The accelerated program includes two fall semesters, a January Interim or J-Term, a spring semester, and a summer session and is completed in 16 months.