RADFORD – Known for producing top students in the field of nursing for nearly 40 years, Radford University’s School of Nursing program received word today that RU nursing students are ranking higher than the national and state level in the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a test considered the final hurdle in a nursing student’s career.

RU SON received a 90.9 percent pass rate on the NCLEX in undergraduate programs, compared to an 85 percent national pass rate and an 85.6 percent pass rate in the Commonwealth. Statewide, RU ranked high among Virginia colleges and universities that offer nursing degrees, including the University of Virginia (90.6 percent), James Madison University (89.93 percent), George Mason University (90.9 percent), Old Dominion University (96 percent) and Marymount College (90.01 percent).

"This is certainly an extremely exciting time for the RU School of Nursing," said Kathy LaSala, director of RU SON. "There has been a consistent, steady improvement in our student scores, which is a direct reflection of the student and faculty's commitment to excellence in nursing education."

The NCLEX is required to receive a professional nursing licensure. The test, distributed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, covers a variety of topics, including basic nursing principles and patient safety management.

“The RU School of Nursing has a strong and dedicated faculty committed to teaching excellence,” said Raymond Linville, dean of the Waldron College of Health and Human Services. “It is through their efforts that our students are so successful, and I am very proud of their achievement.”

RU SON is part of the Waldron College of Health and Human Services, which has experienced additional excitement in the form of several new initiatives, including approval of two new graduate degrees: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Masters of Occupational Therapy (MOT). The DPT program is currently seeking a departmental chair and director of clinical education. Once hired, RU will seek accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association. The program will submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application require in the pre-accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status nor does it assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

Additionally, the DPT program recently received $500,000 from the Roanoke-based Medical Facilities of America, Inc. to fund an endowed chair for the program. It will be the first endowed chair at RU and will provide salary supplements and research or program support.

The MOT program has hired its founding chair, Douglas Mitchell, and director of clinical education, Cynthia Creighton, who are in the beginning stages of seeking accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.

To learn more about the Radford University School of Nursing or the Waldron College of Health and Human Services, contact (540) 831-7600.