UWG News Archive

Nursing Exam has 100% pass rate

October 1, 2003

CARROLLTON, GA - The Nursing Program at the University of West Georgia reached a milestone of excellence when 100 percent of Spring 2003 BSN graduates passed the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN) on their first attempt.

West Georgia’s nursing program is one of a very few nursing programs in the entire United States to have achieved a 100 percent first attempt pass rate. Dr. Kathryn Grams, chair of the Nursing Department, cited three years of changes and innovation as the catalyst for this accomplishment.

“Our faculty and students have been working very hard to achieve this perfect score,” she noted.

The NCLEX examination is designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of professional nursing. Licensure to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in Georgia is granted only to those individuals who pass it. The Georgia Board of Nursing recognizes first attempt NCLEX-RN passing rate as an important indicator of program excellence.

UWG’s Nursing Department offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Generic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares individuals for initial licensure as registered nurses. It is the graduates of this program who distinguished themselves with the 100 percent passing rate. An RN-BSN program is also available to individuals who are already licensed as registered nurses and seek professional advancement.

The RN-BSN program is offered at the Carrollton campus and at the external degree campuses at Dalton State College and Floyd College, making it one of the largest programs of its type in Georgia, according to Grams.

This December will mark the first commencement ceremony for graduates of UWG’s Master of Science (MSN) program. This degree program offers role options in either nursing education or health systems leadership.

“This program was developed in response to the shortage of nurses and nursing faculty in Georgia and the United States,” Grams explained.

Grams noted that UWG’s BSN program, which is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, is dynamic, innovative and growing.

“We have 185 students enrolled in nursing courses on three campuses this semester,” Grams noted. “This includes 22 pre-nursing students living in the learning community.”

Learning communities help students adjust to college life by grouping like-minded students (in this case, pre-nursing students) who share classes and residence halls.

For more information concerning any of the nursing degree programs, contact Grams at 770-836- 6552.

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