MCC Nursing Grads Exceed State, National Averages

Nursing Program Director Pam Brown pins Lacey Bazzett at the 2015 MCC Commencement

Nursing Program Director Pam Brown pins Lacey Bazzett at the 2015 MCC Commencement

In 2015, the Muskegon Community College Nursing Program graduates continued be to among the best in Michigan as they once again exceeded both state and national averages on their first time pass rates on the National Council Licensing Examination for RNs and LPNs.

On the NCLEX-PN, Muskegon Community College graduates had a perfect 100% first time pass rate, compared to just 85.8% in the state and 82.2% nationally. Meanwhile, on the NCLEX-RN exam, MCC graduates enjoyed a 95.77% first time pass rate versus 85.88% in the state and 81.89% in the nation.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) revises the licensing examinations every three years based on feedback from nurses in their first year of practice. While scores nationwide took a significant drop with the new licensing exam in 2013, MCC’s scores increased and remain at the forefront.

The MCC Nursing Program traces its roots back to 1962 with a vocational nursing program. In 1981, a career ladder associate degree nursing program was established to supplant the Hackley School of Nursing Diploma Program and the MCC Practical Nursing Program.

The program has remained fully approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing since its inception. Since 2006, the program has been nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), currently the only national accrediting body for Associate Degree Nursing programs.

“Since 1981, Associate Degree Nursing graduates from Muskegon Community College have carried on a tradition of excellence in our community,” said Christina Donley, Director of the MCC Nursing Program. “Our nurses are educated at the highest standards to be able to pass the NCLEX examination and to be prepared to care for patients from diverse backgrounds with a variety of health care needs. Muskegon Community College and the Nursing Faculty are proud of our graduates and wish them continued success on their career paths.”

MCC awarded 71 Associate Degrees in Nursing and 74 Practical Nurse Diplomas in 2015. Among 28 Associate Degree Nursing Programs in Michigan, MCC is among one of only 16 that are ACEN accredited.

For more information on the program, visit https://www.muskegoncc.edu/nursing/