Would a 75% NCLEX pass rate scare you away from a school?

elkpark · May 1, 2016

What about the pass rate for other years? Was the 75% a one-time thing, or have the rates been consistently low for a number of years? If the school has a history of high rates, the 75% one year could just be a fluke. If there is a pattern of pass rates around 75%, I would stay away (but I can also understand that an extra two hours commute every school day is a big deal).

RaggedyAm · May 1, 2016

What about the pass rate for other years? Was the 75% a one-time thing, or have the rates been consistently low for a number of years? If the school has a history of high rates, the 75% one year could just be a fluke. If there is a pattern of pass rates around 75%, I would stay away (but I can also understand that an extra two hours commute every school day is a big deal).

2011 was 83.5%, In 2012 it was 81.9%, 2013 67.35% (yikes), 2014 71.88%, and 2015 75.0%

So it seems like it has been consistently low-ish, but it's better than it was last year, so maybe that means something?

My gut says maybe to stay away, but goshhhh it sure would be convenient, lol

Maybe I'll take all the extra classes I need and apply everywhere, and use this as a last resort. :/

Brink48 · May 1, 2016

75% would probably scare me away, but if it was my only choice I would take it.

elkpark · May 1, 2016

Personally, I would not be willing to consider a school with pass rates that low, regardless of convenience.

Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN · May 2, 2016

Personally, I get scared when the scores are below 90%. That being said, a score around 75-80 would absolutely scare me away. I would rather drive further for a better pass rate than go for convenience with a lower pass rate.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · May 2, 2016

I went to a school with an 80-ish pass rate; they dropped a few years and now are back up; I think when I went and passed it was around 83, I was among the 76.76% that passed during that era, then it dropped to 67 and it's back up to 83; granted, we had several RN programs; the evening program I attended had a 100% first time passage rate.

Their curriculum and reputation are known as excellent though; I passed the first time, have been able to be deemed a safe, competent nurse. *shrugs*

I also attended a ADN program in the past that had a 99% rate, yet, didn't understand that I had test anxiety; I found that out in my PN program when I Left said ADN program. *shrugs*

I'm probably are going to against the grain, but I truly believe that a school is MORE than the passage rate; HOWEVER, I think one should actively research the program, the area hospitals/facilities they are allowed in (or not allowed in) as well as ask former alumni prior to attending a program, as well as see if the program will "fit" you.

I have no regrets going to the program I attended; I enjoyed the professors, the clinical instructors, and put my ALL into my nursing studies in order for me to be successful. Many doors have been opened by going to that school, as well as fellow alumni have given me jobs because I went to that program. it's also nice to see favorite instructors have a body EBP that is relative to my practice.

Do your research, and THEN decide.

Best Wishes.

Kuriin, BSN, RN · May 2, 2016

I'm curious how the school didn't lose its accreditation with pass rates that low?

elkpark · May 2, 2016

I'm probably are going to against the grain, but I truly believe that a school is MORE than the passage rate; HOWEVER, I think one should actively research the program, the area hospitals/facilities they are allowed in (or not allowed in) as well as ask former alumni prior to attending a program, as well as see if the program will "fit" you.

I agree completely with you about this, and consider the NCLEX pass rate just one of many factors that should be considered. However, I also believe that a consistently low NCLEX pass rate is a sign that something bad/wrong/fishy is going on at the school.

jayrow · May 2, 2016

Agree with elkpark. If it's consistently low, then I would be suspicious. Otherwise, there is so much else to factor in--including yourself. You're already committed to the travel--it sounds like you're a pretty motivated individual :up:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 3, 2016

I attended a school with consistently low first-time NCLEX pass rates in the 50s. Yes, I would do it again for the sake of convenience and immediate admission.

elkpark · May 3, 2016

I attended a school with consistently low first-time NCLEX pass rates in the 50s. Yes, I would do it again for the sake of convenience and immediate admission.

Where was this? How does a school like that not get shut down by the BON? In every state I've practiced in over the years, a pass rate of 70% or 75% (in that range) would get you looked at by the BON, and, if it continued, the school would be on probation and, if they didn't improve the pass rate in a few years, they'd lose their BON approval and not be allowed to operate. But I guess some states don't care?