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BSC nursing students earn 100 percent pass rate

Published: Nov 25 2015
BSC nursing students earn 100 percent pass rate - Photo
Nursing students in the associate degree Registered Nurse program at Bismarck State College received a 100 percent pass rate for those who took the licensure exam during the second quarter.
 
All 12 students passed on first try the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing between the April and June 30. One student did not take the test.
 
In addition, North Dakota nursing students led the nation with a 95.05 percent pass rate for all associate and baccalaureate programs during the second quarter.
 
NCLEX examinations are designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities essential for the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry-level. Students in associate and bachelor’s degree programs across the nation take the same licensing test. Passing the exam means graduates are now professional nurses.
 
BSC is among four community colleges organized under the Dakota Nursing Program, a collaboration that includes BSC, Lake Region State College, Williston State College and Dakota College at Bottineau. All four colleges earned 100 percent pass rates in their associate RN degree programs during the second quarter.
 
Among these four colleges, BSC leads in the RN exam pass rate averaged over three years from 2013 and 2015. BSC has a 93 percent pass rate, Williston State 89.4 percent, Lake Region 87.5 percent, and Dakota College 85.7 percent.
 
“BSC graduates are well prepared for the nursing workforce,” said Suzie McShane, coordinator of BSC’s Dakota Nursing program. “The pass rate only solidifies the success of our program in having these students prepared to be safe practicing graduate nurses.”
 
Julie Traynor, Dakota Nursing Program director, said the exam success can be attributed to a quality program led by excellent, engaged faculty. Instruction includes on-site lab and clinical classes, simulations and video networking between schools.
 
The Dakota Nursing program at BSC is a two-step program that begins with an 11-month practical nursing certificate and continues on to a nine-month Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. 
 
“These graduates are job ready in a short amount of time and can continue on to a bachelor’s in nursing with several state universities through online coursework and work as a nurse while attending school,” McShane said.
 

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Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.