College of Technology nursing graduates earn high pass rates on national exam

Pass rates for the Idaho State University College of Technology’s Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Registered Nurse program graduates were among the highest of all Idaho nursing programs.

The College of Technology at Idaho State University recently received notification that 2007 practical nursing graduates achieved an overall pass rate of 94.7 percent on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This pass rate is significantly higher than the national average of 87 percent. In addition, the 2007 graduating class of Associate Degree Registered Nurses (ADRN) accomplished a 95.8% pass rate on the NCLEX—RN licensure examination. The national pass rate average was 85 percent for this exam which includes all program types that enable graduates to sit for the RN (NCLEX-RN) licensure examination.

Students interested in the nursing field can complete a certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification through Workforce Training, advanced technical certificate to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and an associate of science degree to become a registered nurse (RN), all at the College of Technology. Students are accepted each August for the PNUR and ADRN programs; application deadlines are in February.

The Practical Nursing (PNUR) program at the ISU College of Technology is designed to prepare graduates for careers as a LPNs. Completion of the PNUR certificate program and academic pre-requisite course-work, provides opportunity for the graduate to articulate into the 11-month ADRN program.

The ADRN program is unique because its intent is to reach out to Idaho healthcare facilities and their Licensed Practical Nurses and to offer required coursework through distance-based delivery methods. This new alternative delivery option helps students earn an associate of science degree while remaining in their home communities. Of all new RNs in the nation, 61 percent of them are ADRN graduates.

The College of Technology’s PNUR and ADRN programs are fully approved by the Idaho State Board of the Nursing. The ADRN program has been awarded Candidacy Status by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. For more information about the PNUR and ADRN programs as well as potential career and employment opportunities, please contact Deb Thompson, Associate Dean at (208) 282-3288.