Nursing Students Surpass State, National Averages for NCLEX Exams

Students in Joliet Junior College’s registered and practical nurse programs have surpassed national and state averages in first-time pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in 2021 at 95% and 88%, respectively. 

“To achieve these results during a pandemic that has affected the program and college in so many ways is simply unreal,” said Dr. Amy Gray, vice president of academic affairs. “There is a reason JJC is known for the nursing program, and that reason is our nursing faculty and staff. The resilience I have witnessed in the last two years has been unwavering. And the proof is in the pass rates!” 

The NCLEX-RN state and national averages for 2021 were both 82%, while NCLEX-PN were 83% and 80%, respectively. JJC has exceeded state and national averages for over a decade, including a perfect 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN in 2020. 

“One of the things I tell my colleagues when they ask about our continuous excellent first-time NCLEX pass rates is that there is not one thing that makes it happen,” said Dr. Mary Beth Luna, nursing department chair. “It is a culture of quality that needs to be established.” 

JJC’s nursing program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). 

Virtual information sessions are available to those interested in learning more about nursing at JJC: 

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at sharvey@jjc.edu.