Nursing Program's NCLEX Pass Rate Best in State Again

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University nursing students are tops in the state—again.

According to the Maryland Board of Nursing, they had the highest pass rate of all baccalaureate programs in Maryland on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in 2008-2009, for the second consecutive academic year.

With some 96.05 percent of students passing on the first try, SU surpassed peers including Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, College Park. SU also topped its pass rate of 95.45 percent from last year.

“The success of our graduates clearly affirms the quality of our students, faculty and nursing program,” said Dr. Karen L. Olmstead, dean of the Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology. “They do outstanding work.”

“To practice as a registered nurse, students must pass the NCLEX exam,” said Dr. Lisa A. Seldomridge, chair of the Department of Nursing.  “To have such a high pass rate is evidence of the quality of our students’ preparation and the University’s commitment to helping alleviate the nursing shortage.”

The statistics represent students in SU’s two undergraduate nursing tracks:  traditional first-degree students and accelerated second-degree students.  Some 73 out of 76 passed on the first try.

“We are extremely proud of our students and grateful for the ongoing support of our efforts,” Seldomridge said.

For more information contact SU’s Department of Nursing at 410-543-6420 or visit the Web site at www.salisbury.edu/nursing.