Local College’s first-time test taker scores continue to outpace the national average
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, the area’s preeminent institution for the health care field, announces a 100% passage rate on NCLEX exam for the College’s Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program. Exam scores of BSN students following the second quarter of 2021 academic year continue to exceed the national average of 84.83% year-over-year.
“The consistency of PA College’s NCLEX scores by our first-time test takers show the true dedication of our students to their studies and the health care field,” said Dr. Cheryl Grab, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences’ Dean of Nursing. “To have a 100% passage rate two quarters in a row is also a true testament to our educational programs, as well as a concerted effort from our dedicated faculty that teach these talented students.”
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is the only institution in the region that offers a three-year accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The College’s concept-based curriculum prepares students for a myriad of health care settings, immersing them in a unique learning environment where collaboration between disciplines mimics that of a hospital and fosters a holistic understanding of how each department works together to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
“With the increased demand for qualified and talented registered nurses, we are very proud of our students and faculty for this great achievement,” said Dr. Jean Hershey, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. “To meet this growing demand, it remains our priority to ensure that students enter the workforce highly skilled and prepared for success.”
The College continues to make advancements to its nursing programs to build upon a legacy of preparing Pennsylvania’s best-in-class nurses. Recent initiatives include decreasing class sizes, enhancing simulation learning experiences, incorporating Assessment Technologies Institute learning systems into the curriculum, enhancing the faculty hiring and orientation process, and identifying high-risk students early on to provide them with additional assistance.
During the second quarter of the 2021 academic year, the Associate of Science in Nursing students yielded a 94% pass rate, again exceeding the national average of 84.83%.
“I want to be a nurse because my family and I have received so much care and support from nurses. They provide excellent physical and emotional support when we get sick. I want to be a good nurse like them and care for other people who need help,” shares Maggie Wang ’22, a student in our Associate of Science in Nursing degree program. Born in China, but with plans to get married in the United States, Maggie moved here nine years ago. While it has been challenging taking on her studies in a second language, she credits the support of her ESL tutor and all of her instructors with helping her excel each semester.
After serving full-time in the U.S. Navy for three years, Derek Pietsch ’15 ’20 enrolled in the Radiography program at PA College. Given his interest in human anatomy and a desire to help others during challenging times, a career in health care made a lot of sense. Derek also sought a field with job security and opportunities for continual learning. He excelled in our program, earning both the Academic Excellence Award and Clinical Excellence Award upon earning his associate degree in 2015.