MVNU nursing graduates earn perfect NCLEX pass rate for second straight year

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University nursing graduates have once again demonstrated excellence in their preparation for professional practice, achieving a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for the second consecutive year. The NCLEX is the national examination required for registered nurse licensure in the United States and serves as a key indicator of a nursing program’s effectiveness.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the 2025 national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7 percent. In Ohio, only a select group of eight nursing programs with 10 or more candidates achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate, placing MVNU among the state’s top-performing nursing programs.

“This milestone reflects far more than exam results,” said Dr. Judy Gregg, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “It represents years of hard work by our students, the faithful investment of our faculty and staff, and God’s continued blessing on this program. We are grateful to celebrate a second consecutive year of 100 percent success.”

The achievement highlights the sustained success of MVNU’s nursing program in preparing future nurses for licensure and careers in healthcare. The program combines rigorous academic preparation with hands-on clinical experiences, high-fidelity simulation training and individualized faculty mentoring. Students engage in enhanced NCLEX preparation during their final semester and continue receiving guidance from faculty coaches as they transition from the classroom to professional practice.

The back-to-back perfect pass rates underscore the program’s commitment to academic excellence and student success while reinforcing MVNU’s mission of preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact in their professions and communities.

“We are incredibly proud of the Nursing Program’s graduates,” said Dr. Debra Garee, Associate Professor of Nursing, Division Chair. “The 100 percent NCLEX pass rate for a second year in a row demonstrates that high standards, coupled with a culture of support, can produce strong nursing graduates. This accomplishment speaks of the program’s commitment to quality nursing education and sustained excellence.”

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, MVNU’s nursing program continues to prepare professional nurses to meet healthcare needs locally and globally through the ministry of nursing.

“We celebrate this accomplishment with gratitude,” Dr. Gregg said. “A perfect pass rate for two consecutive years is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the collective commitment of our students, faculty, staff and university leadership. We look forward to continuing our mission of educating nurses who will serve with excellence, skill and compassion.”

Dr. Garee added, “Recognition of this great achievement will promote visibility and credibility of the BSN Program at MVNU. It also highlights the dedicated faculty, clinical partners, and institutional support provided to students to enable them to be so successful. As we add this achievement to our story, we recognize God’s faithfulness, and commit to seeking opportunities to continually recruit, develop, and support the next generation of nurses.”

For more information about MVNU’s nursing program, visit mvnu.edu/nursing.