Nursing grads have 95 percent pass rate on national exam

FLCC's nursing class of 2023 achieved a pass rate of 95% on the NCLEX-RN, surpassing state and national averages.

Ninety-five percent of FLCC nursing graduates passed the national exam for registered nurses in 2023, a rate that surpasses state averages for associate and bachelor’s degree holders.

Of the 59 FLCC graduates who took the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), 56 passed, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. FLCC offers an associate degree in nursing, which can be completed with two years of full-time study.

FLCC’s pass rate for 2023 was above the statewide average of 88 percent for associate degree graduates and the 90 percent pass rate for bachelor’s degree graduates. It also represents a slight increase from FLCC’s 93 percent pass rate for exams taken in 2022.

“This exceptional accomplishment is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment of our department members who have tirelessly supported and nurtured our students,” said Heather Reece-Tillack, chair of the FLCC Nursing Department. “It is also a collective effort and a reflection of the collaborative spirit that defines our institution and the strong bond between faculty, staff and students.”

FLCC has recently updated its curriculum to focus on clinical judgment, a key component of the exam. The Nursing Department has also incorporated more elements to reinforce learning, such as recorded lectures students can revisit, online quizzes and discussions, professional tutors, and a study and test-taking coach.

The College expanded its nursing facilities by opening the Sands Family Center for Allied Health in 2022. In January 2023, FLCC began accepting new students twice each year. Previously, aspiring nurses could only enroll in August of each year.