Nursing Graduates Achieve Record-Breaking Pass Rate on NCLEX-RN Exam
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Seton Hall's B.S.N. graduates are well-positioned for 21st century healthcare challenges (Photo courtesy of Island Photography, Inc.)
Surpassing all previous years, graduates of Seton Hall's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program have achieved a 97.4% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for 2024 — significantly exceeding the 92% national pass rate average for first-time, U.S.-educated B.S.N. candidates.
A pivotal milestone for B.S.N. graduates, the NCLEX-RN is the licensure exam used to determine readiness to practice as entry-level nurses in the United States. Unlike traditional knowledge-based nursing school tests, the NCLEX-RN challenges candidates to apply and analyze their knowledge using critical thinking to make sound clinical judgments.
“This year’s record-breaking pass rate is a testament to the superior quality of education and training provided by our stellar nursing faculty,” said Interim Dean of Nursing Kristi Stinson, Ph.D., R.N., A.P.N.-B.C. “It also underscores the College’s commitment to preparing skilled nursing professionals, strongly positioning Seton Hall as a noteworthy institution in the field of nursing education."
Student-Centered Mission Drives Program’s Success
B.S.N. students join nurse practitioner students during a simulation experience that mimicked a real-world healthcare scenario.
Seton Hall’s B.S.N. program, known for its rigorous curriculum, prepares students for the complexities of 21st century healthcare.
"During their time at Seton Hall, students are engaged in active-learning strategies, clinical experiences and simulations — all aimed at developing critical clinical judgment skills, Stinson noted. “These experiences are pivotal in preparing students for the unique challenges of the NCLEX-RN exam.”
Students have consistently outperformed the national average, achieving a 92% or higher first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN since 2019. Stinson attributes this success to the College of Nursing’s comprehensive preparation strategy for the licensure exam, which is integrated throughout the B.S.N. curriculum.
Students also benefit from support sessions with faculty, College of Nursing staff, and peer tutors, focusing on cognitive techniques, content reviews and test-taking strategies. “This personalized support aligns with the student-centered mission of Seton Hall and our undergraduate nursing program," said Kimberly Conway, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Undergraduate Department, College of Nursing.
As of April 2023, the NCLEX-RN is administered in a Next Generation (Next Gen) format, placing greater emphasis on clinical judgment through updated question styles. To ensure students were fully prepared, the College of Nursing incorporated Next Gen-style questions, case studies and learning activities across its B.S.N. courses.
“These results not only illustrate Seton Hall's leading position in New Jersey but also its commitment to maintaining high educational standards,” added Conway.
Learn more about Seton Hall’s B.S.N. program.
Categories: Health and Medicine
