Contact: Sean McFarland, MA
Public Relations & Communications Manager
Email: sdmcfarland@carlow.edu
Phone: 412-260-6807
Best-in-Pittsburgh success rate means a seamless transition into in-demand nursing field
PITTSBURGH – For the seventh year in a row, Carlow University’s bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) graduates have topped Pittsburgh nursing schools for the highest first-time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). In total, 95.51% of Carlow’s BSN students passed this critical licensure exam on their first attempt, an unmatched distinction in the highly competitive and in-demand nursing field.
This success rate owes itself to Carlow’s 120-credit BSN curriculum, which meets the requirements for NCLEX-RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure in all US states and territories. The University’s hands-on simulation lab, offered clinical experiences in intensive care units and mentor-led NCLEX-RN preparation also play large supporting roles.
“Carlow has long been lauded for its award-winning degree programs and the working professionals we produce,” said President Kathy Humphrey, PhD. “Whether it’s our consistently high NCLEX-RN scores, our programs that embrace the workforce of today and tomorrow, or community work throughout Pittsburgh, it’s clear that Carlow is a mighty institution doing mighty works.”
To pass the NCLEX-RN exam, students must be able to apply what they have learned to specific health care scenarios. Passing this test is the final step to becoming a licensed registered nurse and is a direct pathway into the workforce. Carlow’s graduating class achieved this while completing their final year of education during a global pandemic.
The 95.51% first-time pass rate, which trumps that of Pennsylvania (88.21%) and the nation (83.22%), is welcome news for a current nursing field whose workforce shortages have been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The continued excellence of Carlow’s nursing graduate pipeline is also valuable for the profession’s future, which is poised to grow nine percent by 2030.
“Our NCLEX pass rate is evidence that Carlow continues to be among the top nursing programs nationwide,” said Lynn George, PhD, RN, CNE, Dean of the College of Health and Wellness. “The program’s ability to continually perform at such a high level is a testament to our stellar faculty and hardworking students. Our program is an ideal choice for students who are serious about the nursing profession and seek to gain outstanding preparation for success.”
Carlow’s pre-licensure BSN program welcomes students of all ages.
About Carlow University
Carlow is a private, co-educational, Catholic university located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s “Eds, Meds, and Tech” district. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929, Carlow’s curricula and partnerships reflect its strong commitment to social justice; ethical, forward-thinking and responsible leadership; and service to the community that has a meaningful impact. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in two colleges: the College of Health and Wellness and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Carlow University also believes in the education and growth of students both inside and outside the classroom, where they can join student government, clubs, and academic honorary societies where they can develop skills in judgment, leadership, analysis, decision-making, and communication. For student-athletes, Carlow’s 14 athletic teams are known as the Celtics, a reflection of the university’s Irish heritage and roots.