Morgan State University nursing graduates posted a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Nursing Exam, NCLEX-RN. Morgan is the only four-year nursing program in Maryland to record a perfect pass rate in the fiscal year of 2018.

All nine candidates passed the exam on the first try, making Morgan one of few institutions to achieve this goal. This is an important accomplishment for the Nursing Program, which also received initial accreditation for its Bachelor of Science (Nursing) this year.

The National Council Licensure Examination, or the NCLEX-RN, is the final challenge for nursing students before they become registered nurses. It tests a nurse’s knowledge and ability in patient care, and it is different from average nursing-school tests because it also examines a prospective graduate’s application and analysis abilities, critical thinking skills, and judgement.

Every student who wants to become a registered nurse has to pass the extremely thorough exam, and answer the many complex questions in it. The national pass rate for first-time test takers in 2017 was 90 percent.

According to Kim Dobson Sydnor, dean of the school of Community Health and Policy – the 100 percent first-time passing rate is a milestone for the Nursing Program, the school of Community Health and Policy and Morgan as a whole.

“Providing qualified nurses under an accredited program, who will both increase and diversify the nursing workforce, brings a great sense of pride of accomplishment. We will continue to work to maintain a level of excellence that meets and exceeds accreditation standards,” said Syndor.

Morgan’s nursing program was created in 2008 in response to the national nurse shortage and an underrepresentation of minorities in healthcare.  Since then, its goal has been to provide a quality nursing education that produces graduates who are ready to take on the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare system. The program also aims to improve healthcare disparities between residents of Baltimore and the larger society.

After getting accredited this year, the Morgan State Nursing Program plans on expanding. It is preparing to launch an online R.N.-B.S.N.-M.P.H. program by Spring 2020.