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Calhoun’s PN and RN Program NCLEX Scores Soar above National Average for Past 3 Years

February 3, 2020

Calhoun Community College recently received a 100 percent National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate for its Practical Nursing (PN) Program and a 92.9 percent pass rate for the Registered Nursing (RN) program for students in the 2017-2019 graduating class.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the college’s PN program exceeds the national average by 15% and the RN program by 5% for last three years. “A 100% first-attempt credentialing exam pass rate is a very big deal”, commented Dr. Joe Burke, Calhoun Interim President. “It not only speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication that is placed into these programs by our faculty and staff, but it also demonstrates the commitment of the college to ensure we provide industry with the best trained nurses possible”, added Burke.

In both programs, enrolled students attend classes in the Health Sciences Center on the Decatur or Huntsville campus approximately 3 days per week for up to six-hours per day. That time is used for nursing lectures and to develop their skills and proficiencies in the on-campus nursing laboratory. “In addition to on-campus classes, clinical education takes place at one of our partner health care facilities each semester”, commented Bret McGill, Calhoun Dean of Health Sciences. “The required number of clinical hours varies with each nursing course”, added McGill.

“Calhoun has one of the top ranking programs in the state. I am so thankful for the continued support of the college as it is this village of champions that allows us to not only thrive, but grow in our role as nursing educators and provide the highest quality program to the community”, commented Dr. Lynn Hogan, Calhoun Nursing Department Chair.

Calhoun’s nursing program has an extremely competitive admission process as students are selected for admission to the program based on their academic status and their Nursing Application Points System score.

For more information about Calhoun’s PN or RN program, or to apply visit www.calhoun.edu/nursing

About National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

The NCSBN is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The impetus for NCSBN’s creation arose out of recognition that in order to guard the safety of the public, the organization involved in the regulation of nurses needed to be a separate entity from the American Nurses Association (ANA) Council on State Boards of Nursing, which represents professional nurses.