BU Nursing Grads Continue To Ace Certification Test
Recent graduates of Baylor University's Louise Herrington School of Nursing have once again scored significantly higher than the national average on a standardized nursing certification test, according to results released by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
All nursing graduates who wish to enter the profession are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Of the 47 Baylor candidates who took the NCLEX in December, 44 passed - all on their first try. The national average for those who pass it on their first try is 84 percent. For the past five years, the rate of Baylor nursing students passing the certification test the first time has been consistently above 90 percent.
"I credit our faculty for preparing our outstanding students for this very demanding test," said Dr. Judy Lott, dean of Baylor's nursing school. "We have an extremely rigorous curriculum that not only encompasses classroom teaching, but clinical experiences and faith-based missions - all of which better prepare our students."
Lott also credits the distinctiveness of the curriculum and the low student-teacher ratio. The state mandates the ratio must be at least one teacher to 10 students. At Baylor's nursing school, it is one teacher to eight students. Lott said the low ratio enhances the individualized attention each student receives. The curriculum also requires students get a solid foundation in the sciences before they take nursing courses. Lott said most of the nursing courses are built upon that foundation.
"We look at nursing as a calling and I couldn't be prouder of our students," Lott said.
For more information, contact Judy Lott at (214) 820-3361.