NCLEX pass rates

AngelKissed857, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2016

You also need to look at class sizes. We have 3 programs in my area, 2 of them have MUCH smaller classes than my school, and have 97 and 100% pass rates opposed to the school I chose (and I was accepted at all three). I'm 2nd year, and what I know is that there are plenty of students in my cohort who are passing- that's it. And they're ok with just passing the exams. Then there are the rest of us that strive, study constantly and are very disappointed (but not destroyed!) with less than an A, or at the very least a high B. I think those of us who work hard are the 88%, the others, not so much. Why did I choose my school over the others with a higher pass rate? Because my school has a reputation fro turning out the best clinical nurses, and we get twice the clinical time that the other schools offer.We are getting out butts run ragged but we are learning soooo much! I also strongly believe that a school that uses ATI or similar program is going to have better outcomes than those that don't. Do lots of research, talk to students, and maybe even get an ppt with the dean and talk to him/her. This is your entire future on the line. Bear in mind that every time there is a big change in the NCLEX, another one coming in a few months now, pass rates are likely to dip. Also look at the overall trend of pass rates. Our school was recently audited by the board, and there wasn't a single problem, not even a recommendation. Just like getting all A's doesn't make the best nurse, having the highest pass rate doesn't either. I'm looking at not only passing the NCLEX, but also starting out as the best possible new grad nurse I can be, knowing that the majority of nursing will be learned after licensure, but that what I am learning now is the foundation for that.

dinzz · Apr 24, 2016

This was really helpful, thank you so much I really appreciate it! So do you recommend to just go for the more financially smart school?

AngelKissed857, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2016

I think you need to talk to new grads from that school, and get an appt to talk to the dean. Ask if they use ATI or a similar program, ask what she/he feels is the reason for the current pass rate. And look at the pass rates over the last 5 years. Going up or down? Maybe call the state Board and get copies of their last couple of audits.

QuinnP · Apr 24, 2016

Look at the pass rate in relation to other nursing schools in the area or state. If the school is near the bottom of the list, I'd probably pass. Also, to be sure, look at the schools previous years NCLEX pass rates...are they all low?

Zooey72 · Apr 24, 2016

I have what is probably a stupid question. When they say "Pass rate" is that on the first attempt? I start nursing school in the fall, but NCLEX is already on my mind. My school has only been doing nursing for 4 years, and in those 4 years they have varied from 92 - 100 percent. I would guess that is the first attempt stat because I can not see anyone getting through nursing school, failing the NCLEX and throwing up their hands and saying "I guess nursing is just not for me, sure was dumb of me to waste the last few years of my life". From what I understand you can take the NCLEX multiple times. Sooner or later they will pass it (Million monkeys on a million typewriters type of thing).

springchick1, ADN, RN · Apr 24, 2016

I think you need to talk to new grads from that school, and get an appt to talk to the dean. Ask if they use ATI or a similar program, ask what she/he feels is the reason for the current pass rate. And look at the pass rates over the last 5 years. Going up or down? Maybe call the state Board and get copies of their last couple of audits.

Also, make sure it is a reputable school and that you will be able to get a job when you graduate. And don't talk to the school about it, call the hospitals. If the pass rate is that low, they may have a reputation for being a terrible nursing program.

Purple_roses · Apr 25, 2016

I'm not playing the one-upmanship game or anything like that, but I graduated from a program with a 47 percent first-time NCLEX pass rate. To me, 88 percent looks good.
88 percent is the national average as far as first-time NCLEX pass rates are concerned.

I believe you, and that speaks volumes for your work ethic and dedication to learning the material. Last week I spoke with a nurse who was part of the 1/3 of her graduating class to pass NCLEX (this was decades ago, when her nursing school had just started). She said she got lucky. I said, "No, you worked hard."

Purple_roses · Apr 25, 2016

I have what is probably a stupid question. When they say "Pass rate" is that on the first attempt? I start nursing school in the fall, but NCLEX is already on my mind. My school has only been doing nursing for 4 years, and in those 4 years they have varied from 92 - 100 percent. I would guess that is the first attempt stat because I can not see anyone getting through nursing school, failing the NCLEX and throwing up their hands and saying "I guess nursing is just not for me, sure was dumb of me to waste the last few years of my life". From what I understand you can take the NCLEX multiple times. Sooner or later they will pass it (Million monkeys on a million typewriters type of thing).

You're right--pass rates are based on first attempts.

swirlies · Apr 25, 2016

Look for anything above 90%.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 25, 2016

In terms of accreditation, programs have to maintain an 80% (first time) NCLEX pass rate. If they fall below that, they will be re-classified as 'conditional' - and have to take actions to improve. If they go another year without improvement, they will fall to "warning" status... and accreditation will be withdrawn if they can't pull back up to 80% by the end of the year.

So, yeah - NCLEX pass rate is important, but so is BON approval. There is a state in which their (deluded) legislators decided that there were too many students that could not get admitted to nursing schools so they changed the rules that required BON approval for schools. The result? Lots of commercial schools popped up overnight because they didn't have to meet BON requirements (such as qualified faculty & appropriate clinical rotations) any longer. Those "schools" produced NCLEX abysmal pass rates and are now closing/getting sued by their graduates..... oh my, we're so surprised (said no BON, ever).

It's a good idea to check those NCLEX results before choosing a school because this is the best indicator of overall quality.

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · May 5, 2016

So, yeah - NCLEX pass rate is important, but so is BON approval. There is a state in which their (deluded) legislators decided that there were too many students that could not get admitted to nursing schools so they changed the rules that required BON approval for schools. The result? Lots of commercial schools popped up overnight because they didn't have to meet BON requirements (such as qualified faculty & appropriate clinical rotations) any longer. Those "schools" produced NCLEX abysmal pass rates and are now closing/getting sued by their graduates..... oh my, we're so surprised (said no BON, ever).
It's a good idea to check those NCLEX results before choosing a school because this is the best indicator of overall quality.

I think I know which state you are referring to. I looked at the pass rates for several schools in my state on the BON's website and 88% would be considered pretty darn good! (There were many below 50%, and still too many in the 20-30% range). It wasn't too long ago when looking into a school there were only a few choices. Now, there seems to be a not-so-great school on every corner. Some of their advertising on TV, the radio, etc...is crazy.

I would check their accreditation status as well. Can the credits transfer to a community college or university if the student decides to further their education? Or would they have to start from scratch (or attend one of a few expensive schools that will accept their credits)? Many organizations are moving toward BSN as a minimum for employment in the next few years if not already requiring it and it would be horrible to be stuck with limited options as to how to obtain a higher level of education in order to stay employed.