Pass Rate places Millikin third highest in Illinois for BSN Programs
For the second year in a row, graduates from the Millikin University School of Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program have recorded a 98 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The 98 percent pass rate places Millikin as the third highest in the state of Illinois for BSN programs. Additionally, graduates of Millikin's Master Entry into Nursing Practice (MENP) degree program achieved a 90 percent pass rate.
The NCLEX national average pass rate in 2020 was 87 percent while the state of Illinois average pass rate was 88 percent. The NCLEX pass rate is considered by many to be one of the key indicators of quality of prelicensure nursing education programs.
"Millikin University School of Nursing faculty have done remarkable work to put into place curriculum changes, along with a variety of strategies, to ensure student success in regards to their performance on the NCLEX examination," said Dr. Pam Lindsey, dean of the College of Professional Studies at Millikin. "In addition and as equally important, these program changes and supportive strategies better prepare students to enter the profession of nursing."
Dr. Lindsey added, "The NCLEX pass rates reflect the hard work of both faculty and students and we are incredibly proud of their ongoing dedication and commitment to fulfill the mission of the School of Nursing … to foster the development of men and women in a community of life-long learners who are able to envision and shape the future of health care and compose a personal life of meaning and value."
The National Council Licensure Examination is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States since 1982. After graduation from a school of nursing, graduates take the NCLEX exam to receive a nursing license. A nursing license gives an individual the permission to practice nursing, granted by the state where they met the requirements.
"We continue to be so proud of the outstanding work of our faculty and students in the School of Nursing. Once again, Millikin Nursing graduates have demonstrated that they are very well prepared to move into the world of full-time professional practice," said Millikin Provost Dr. Jeff Aper. "This is entirely due to the careful analysis, dedication and hard work of our faculty and the students they work with every day. It's a wonderful testimony to the mission and values that drive the School of Nursing specifically, and Millikin University generally to excellent outcomes for students who place their faith in us to deliver on the promise of education."
To ensure public protection, each state board of nursing requires a candidate for registered nurse (RN) licensure to pass the NCLEX-RN examination. NCLEX examinations are designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities essential for the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level. Each state sets a minimum pass rate for nursing programs and in Illinois, the minimum pass rate is 75 percent for first time test-takers. The Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE), one of the two accrediting bodies for nursing programs, has a minimum program pass rate of 80 percent.
"The nursing faculty at Millikin University consistently demonstrate what tremendous nursing professionals they are and how that leads to nursing graduates who are prepared to provide excellence in nursing care not only here in central Illinois, but across our country," said Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, associate professor of nursing and graduate chair for the Millikin School of Nursing.
The Millikin University School of Nursing fosters the development of women and men in a community of life-long learners who are able to envision and shape the future of health care and compose a personal life of meaning and value. The framework for the nursing curricula at Millikin incorporates the School of Nursing mission, goals and outcomes under the core concepts of person, nursing, environment and health.