All graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the university passed the National Council Licensure Examination, according to a news release from the university.

In addition to a 100 percent pass rate, all of the students pass the exam on their first attempt.

“First cohort graduates in new nursing programs have a target on their back,” said Dr. Fred K. Whitt, founding dean of the College of Health Sciences. “For our first to receive a 100 percent pass rate the first time they took the licensure exam is a testament to the academic training our students receive on campus.”

Dr. Linda Johanson, interim chair of the nursing department, said the licensure exam pass rate is an important benchmark for any nursing program.

“All nursing programs look at the first-time pass rate as a standard of excellence for their program,” Johanson said. “It means that the students who take and pass with a high pass rate are qualified as being competent regarding the content in nursing that is relevant into entry into the practice.”

The BSN has increased since its approval in 2010. More than 150 students applied for admission in the spring of 2012 and that number is expected to increase each year.

“We are excited about the caliber of students who apply to our program,” Whitt said. “The most recent cohort admitted in 2012 had an average GPA of 3.7.”

Appalachian’s College of Health Sciences also now offers the RN-to-BSN program fully online, and this program currently enrolls about 70 students.

Since its inception in 2006, this program has graduated more than 100 students and the majority of these graduates work in their home communities.

“Nurses in our service region want to pursue an opportunity to further their education without having to leave their jobs,” Whitt said.  “Our online program provides that opportunity with maximum flexibility.”

Story: ANNE BUIE, Managing Editor