Monday, July 27, 2026

Muskegon Community College (MCC) is proud to announce that its 45 nursing graduates achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) during the first half of 2026. Between January 1 and June 30, all 10 Practical Nursing (PN) graduates and all 35 Registered Nursing (RN) graduates successfully passed the national licensing exam on their first attempt. This continues the college’s long-standing tradition of excellence in nursing education.

The NCLEX is the national licensing examination required for graduates to become licensed nurses in the United States. Developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the exam measures the clinical judgment, knowledge, and decision-making skills necessary to provide safe and effective patient care. Passing the NCLEX is the final step before graduates can begin practicing as licensed nurses.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) MCC’s results significantly outperform both state and national averages. In 2025, the most recent full year of available data, first-time NCLEX pass rates were:

• Registered Nursing (RN): Michigan – 85.92%, National – 86.10%
• Practical Nursing (PN): Michigan – 84.22%, National – 86.60%

“This achievement reflects the extraordinary dedication of our nursing faculty and staff,” said Lisa Gatti-Arnold, Dean of Nursing and Health Programs at Muskegon Community College. “Their commitment to student success, excellence in teaching, and the countless hours they invest in mentoring and supporting our students have prepared these graduates to enter the nursing profession with confidence and competence. Their expertise and passion continue to make an immeasurable difference in the lives of our students and the communities they will serve.”

MCC’s Nursing Department has earned a reputation as one of Michigan’s premier nursing programs, consistently producing NCLEX pass rates that exceed state and national averages. The program plays a vital role in strengthening West Michigan’s healthcare workforce by preparing highly skilled, compassionate nurses who are ready to provide quality patient care from their first day on the job.

Offering both Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs, MCC combines rigorous classroom instruction with extensive hands-on clinical experiences led by experienced nursing professionals.
For more information about MCC’s Nursing programs, visit www.muskegoncc.edu/nursing.