Radford University School of Nursing again posts top results on licensing exam

Graduates of the Radford University School of Nursing (SON) have again added to the school's prestigious reputation of excellence.

For 2018, SON graduates of the nursing cohort from Radford posted a pass rate of 100 percent on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the examination for the licensing of nurses that is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Their nursing colleagues from the Roanoke cohort posted a 96 percent pass rate on the important professional qualification exam. The combined pass rate of the two programs is 98 percent, surpassing the 2018 national pass rate for baccalaureate students of 91.57 percent, according to the NCSBN.

"I am very proud of our students for exceeding all expectations and I am proud of our faculty who work hard each day to teach our students both the art and science of nursing," said SON Interim Director Iris Mullins. "These test results show the combined commitment to excellence at both our Radford and Roanoke campuses."

Radford has exceeded the national NCLEX pass rate average for seven consecutive years. From 2013-17, nearly 400 Radford nursing candidates successfully passed the test on their first attempt making Radford one only four Virginia nursing programs to post pass rates over 90 percent during that five-year period. 

The passion to serve others through a career in healthcare is a noble pursuit and one that comes with a great deal of public trust. The 2018 Gallup Survey of Professional Honesty and Ethical Standards indicated that Americans consider nursing to be the most trustworthy occupation. In fact, for 17 years, nurses have topped the list of most trusted professionals. Rigorous nursing education and committed students undoubtedly contribute to and help maintain this important honor of public trust.

These exceptional exam results are a tangible demonstration of Radford University’s value of “Student Empowerment and Success." The committed faculty from across the Radford University campus engages and supports our students in the discovery and pursuit of their own unique paths, working diligently to equip them to be successful in future pursuits. Ultimately, student success yields a widespread positive impact as Highlanders graduate and enter careers and communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.