Q re: schools + NCLEX pass rate

tofutti · Feb 13, 2007

Where I live, most schools are in the 94% and above range.

BUT, and this a big but :clown: NCLEX pass rate is a statistic that actually tells you nothing. Instructors can simply weed out the weaker students and voila, 100% pass rate.

If it's looked at in combination with the students that make it all the way through the program, that's more significant.

Tofutti

Jules A, MSN · Feb 13, 2007

I always check the pass rates but really don't pay too much attention to them. I believe that you could have wonderful varied clinic experiences which would be better than a school that focuses more strongly on NCLEX preparation. Their percentages can also be low if they have a small number taking the exam and one or two people fail. If I didn't have a choice I'd go to any accredited school no mater what their pass rate. Passing the NCLEX is something I'm confident I could pick up on my own if necessary.

stillpressingon · Feb 13, 2007

I, too, am confident I'll pass no matter what - I'll do what I need to in order to learn the material as well as I can. So if it's not all NCLEX pass rate, what other things do you look for?

Achoo!, LPN · Feb 13, 2007

If our school drops below 95% they do a thorough investigation of the cirriculum.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 13, 2007

I agree with the others that the NCLEX pass rates tell only part of the story. It's important to get the whole picture and not just look at that one number. For example, one school may have a very high pass rate -- but that's because they flunk everyone out during the last semester who is at risk for failing. Another school has an average pass rate, but provides a terrific general education (not just test preparation) and is convenient and affordable.

However ... I would probably avoid those schools whose pass rate is far below the national average of 84%. For example, if a school has a 60% pass rate for several years, I would question why it is that their students are so unprepared for the exam. Is it because quality of the education is not very good? Unless there is some special circumstance going on (which you would want to be aware of before you entered the program), a school should have a pass rate that is at least close to the national average. Anything more that 5% below the average would make me hesitant to go there unless I was sure that I had investigated the reasons for that poor performance and was comfortable with those reasons.

momx4 · Feb 14, 2007

I do think the pass rate should be an issue though. I went to one school before i knew what to research,just knew they had a nursing program and that time their pass rate was in the 60%. thats not good for me. I changed schools and the one I am in is at 96% pass rate. There is such a difference in the program and I love it!!!

Jules A, MSN · Feb 14, 2007

I, too, am confident I'll pass no matter what - I'll do what I need to in order to learn the material as well as I can. So if it's not all NCLEX pass rate, what other things do you look for?

1.Accreditation

2. Empty chair

Around here the number of applicants to spaces is absurd so for my LPN to RN bridge I don't give a hoot where I go as long as I'm in one by next fall and of course that the BON will let me sit for the NCLEX. I'm applying to several and will take whatever I can get.