First-Time Nursing Candidates Score High on Licensure Exams

Pass rates for nursing students at Joliet Junior College have once again exceeded state and national average.

The 2017 figures from the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) show the rates for candidates who have completed the registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) tests for the past five years. It is based on their completion of the licensure examinations for the first time upon graduating from an Illinois-approved nursing education program.

JJC’s first-time pass rate in 2017 for the NCLEX-RN was 95 percent. That’s well above national and state averages of 87 and 86 percent, respectively. According to Dr. Mary Beth Luna, nursing education professor and department chair, JJC had the second-most graduates in the state from an associate degree program.

As for the NCLEX-PN, JJC’s first-time pass rate in 2017 was 98 percent. By comparison, the national rate was 84 percent and state rate 86 percent.

“I am extremely proud of our graduates, as well as the outstanding faculty and staff who work diligently to help our students achieve success. I feel the consistency of our excellent NCLEX pass rates over the years speaks volumes about the high quality of our program,” said Dr. Luna.

The Joliet Junior College nursing program accepts 96 new students and 24 LPNs wishing to obtain their RN into the program each spring and fall. To learn more about the program, visit www.jjc.edu/nursing.

View NCLEX statistics from schools throughout the state.

For more information contact Scott Harvey, communications and media coordinator, at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.