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Discussion

Finding the right school based on passing rates?

Hello!

I am 35 years old and looking to pursue nursing as a mid-life career change. I have been working in the realm of healthcare, but dealing with furry patients:cat:

Anyway, I want to go into human healthcare and feel good about the potential change in career.

I have been accepted to a college and I have gone through a campus tour and met with the Nursing Dept. Chair for a chat. Everything seemed great. Then I checked my states NCLEX passing rates for schools and the one I will be attending in the Fall has about a 64% passing rate. I am nervous because, I do not want to invest another four years into a program if I will not be learning the skills that will make me a competent nurse. I already have a BSc in Biology, but because I earned that degree 13 years ago those credits (except general education) will not transfer. I am seeking the BSN degree so that I can go into a nurse residency program in order to gain experience after graduation. Basically I want to do this right and be the best nurse I can become. Are there any other criteria I should be looking into in order to make sure I am attending the right school? I received a school scholarship that will pay for 50% of my tuition and will be looking for grants and loans to help with the rest while working full time.

Sorry for the length, I just want to make sure I am focusing on the right thing.

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    • Featured Replies

    Pass rates are a good place to start. To be fair, at least in MA, nursing schools have seen a decline in pass rates due to changes in the NCLEX exam - however 64% is pretty poor. Compare these pass rates to those within the last few years - are they all this low? I would also consider if the program is new vs. old and make sure it is accredited appropriately. Newer programs may obviously have a lot to work out in regards to appropriate faculty, curriculum, etc., older programs are usually much more established. Clinical affiliations are also another thing to look into. Schools with weaker programs may have trouble securing and keeping clinical sites for their students, especially in big cities with a multitude of competing nursing schools. Word of mouth will probably be most helpful if you're able to contact current students and ask their perspectives.

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    • Author

    Thank you for replying! The past years have seen rates of 87%, 67%, 86%, to 76%. The school has maintained ACEN accreditation since the 1980's.

    But I will find current students to gauge their views! Thank you again, this has been helpful.

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    I would check pass rates and also how many start the program each year vs how many of those graduate. A school may have a pass rate of 98% but if they start with 120 students and only 50 of those finish to take the NCLEX I'd be leery.

    My class lost only a handful but a couple of those just tried again the next year and passed. Our NCLEX rates were consistently 90%+

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    • Experts

    Also ... compare those pass rates with the pass rates of other schools in the state. Obviously, if "your" school is one of the worst in the state, that's not good.

    I agree about looking at their clinical affiliations -- and don't just ask for the list of facilities they are affiliated with -- ask which ones they actually use regularly for clinicals. (That's one of those things current or recent students can tell you.) An affiliation agreement might be in place from years ago ... but that doesn't mean the hospital will let that school come anymore.

    Find out from where their graduates get jobs. Ask the school. Ask nurses working in the best hospitals. The best hospitals try to hire nurses from the best schools in the area.

    ... and I wouldn't be investing in an education from a school that only has a 64% pass rate.

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    I would look elsewhere. Those pass rates are too inconsistent. How many students do those scores represent? There is a big difference between 67/100 grads passing and 22/33 graduates passing. They may be accredited now, but it may be withdrawn when the accreditation is due to be renewed. It would not be good for you if they lose it. Many hospitals (and grad schools) require graduation from an accredited school.

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    • Author

    Most of the graduating class is between 10-15 students, with about 15-20 being accepted.

    I really appreciate the advice and assistance given!

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