LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health College Little Rock’s spring 2023 graduates celebrate high board passing rates across seven programs of study. Each area of study has a board certification exam specific to the program. Completion of these exams allow students to begin working in their field. This year’s graduating class of 155 students successfully took their first steps to becoming leaders in health care.
Traditional and accelerated nursing program graduates take the required National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed nurse. The BHCLR annual first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN as reported by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing for the 2022-2023 reporting year was 90.2%. This was higher than any other nursing program in the Little Rock metro area. In addition, this spring’s graduating class of 58 had a first-time pass rate of 98.2%.
Practical nursing graduates complete the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed practical nurse. The BHCLR annual first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-PN as reported by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing for the 2022-2023 reporting year was 84.2%. In addition, spring 2023 graduates have a first-time pass rate of 100% with 10 students left to test.
“Students have embraced the move to active learning in the classroom and are demonstrating evidence of critical thinking and clinical judgment skills. Graduates have shown competency in the program curriculum requirements, have adequately prepared for the NCLEX-RN and PN exam and have responded to our encouragement to test quickly after graduation,” said Laura Hamilton, MNSc, RN, dean of nursing at BHCLR. “We are proud that they have trusted us in this process and have partnered with us for incredible outcomes.”
The accomplishment of passing these exams on the first attempt ensures students enter the workforce timely, and with an adequate knowledge and skill base.
“Passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam is required to practice as a registered nurse. The exam measures safe, entry-level nursing practice. While graduates are allowed to take the NCLEX-RN exam an unlimited number of times, our high first-time pass rate indicates that the large majority of our students were prepared and succeeded in demonstrating entry-level competency on their first attempt,” said Dr. Amy Morris, DNP, APRN, CPNP, CNE and traditional registered nursing program coordinator at BHCLR.
Allied health programs with a 100% passing rate include radiography, surgical technology, sleep technology and nuclear medicine. Medical laboratory sciences had a 83% pass rate.
“Our allied health programs are highly regarded for producing health care workers that are equipped with extensive knowledge and skills which enable them to provide exceptional care for their patients and add value to health care systems,” said Dr. Karen James, PhD, OTR/L, CAPS, BHCLR interim chancellor and allied health coordinator. “As they begin their health care careers, this year’s graduating class is prepared to accept the challenges that lie ahead and provide the best care to their patients.”
For more information about nursing board pass rates, visit the Arkansas Department of Health at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/arsbn-nclex-exam.
About Baptist Health College Little Rock
Since 1921, Baptist Health College Little Rock has shaped the health of Arkansans by educating and mentoring healthcare professionals with excellence and Christian compassion. With nine programs of study, including two nursing programs and seven allied health programs, graduates demonstrate entry-level competency in their fields, exemplify professionalism and personify the Baptist Health values. For more information about Baptist Health College Little Rock, visit bhclr.edu.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered All Our Best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 250 points of access that include 11 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; a graduate residency program; and access to virtual care anytime, anywhere. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app.