Several nursing schools in my area (KY)are in danger of losing their accrediation because they have not complied with the rule that 85% of their students must pass the NCLEX on their first try. This got me thinking, I wonder if most nursing students know their school history, specifically their NCLEX pass rates and if and when they are due for accrediation review. I know of one school that lost their accrediation because of low NCLEX scores, so students that were in the program were left in limbo.
I chose my school because of the 99% NCLEX pass rates and the fact that they have the highest possible accrediation (8yrs). The National Accrediation committee came to our school last year and held and Q& A session with the nursing students and we found out that the local community college had not had accrediation for years but was advertising as if they did. We kind of already assumed this considering the nursing students we came in contact with in the clinical area from that school were so lost,and seemed like they did not know even 1/10 of what was on our tests.
If you do not know your schools standing, I urge you to find out
I don't know about retention--as in I don't have hard facts, but I've seen the graduating class pictures and there were roughly 30-35 people pictured for a class starting at 40...some years less (much less), some years more.
Ask the nursing department...they do know that statistic...if it seems low, ask why...remember you are buying an education from them, they need to sell you their school. Also, how strong and independent a student are you? If the pass rate is 80% would you fall in that or do you require additional push a 99% school might give?
My school had a 100% first time pass rate when I signed up. I think it may have been bumped to 90% or so due to one of last year's grads not passing the first time.
However, out of the 20 who are accepted, about 16 actually start classes, and on average 7 students make it to the end. As of right now we have 11 students at the halfway point, and 2 that have not passed a single test in Pharmacology this semester (meaning we will be down to 9 at the very most in a few short weeks). That leaves us with 9 students going into the last semester, assuming nobody else fails out unexpectedly.
I am glad you posted this link. I am in NKy and always wondered how "good" Gateway is. Note to OP: where are you attending now, and are you happy? I am at CinState, on waitlist.
HyperSaurus, RN, BSN
765 Posts
I don't know about retention--as in I don't have hard facts, but I've seen the graduating class pictures and there were roughly 30-35 people pictured for a class starting at 40...some years less (much less), some years more.