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October 22, 2009

Calhoun Nursing Graduates Increase
Passage Rate on Licensure Exam

Calhoun Community Col lege officials today announced that the most recent class of nursing graduates from the college's Associate Degree nursing program have posted an impressive 9 point gain over last year's class for the 2008-09 NCLEX (National Council of Licensure Examination). The graduates' 88.3% score represents a 11% increase over last year's scores.

“It would be an understatement to say that we were more than a bit concerned with last year's scores,” commented Health Sciences division dean Bret McGill. “However, we are extremely pleased with these just announced scores and the significant jump our students made this year. “

McGill credits the increase in scores to several things. “Last year, we implemented several measures to help our students do well on their licensure exam. These included implementing a system which tracks and identifies at an earlier point in the semester those students who are struggling with the curriculum and providing additional instruction and assistance for these students throughout the semester and prior to their sitting for the licensure exam,” McGill said.

We also incorporated the use of critical thinking scenarios and simulation labs into the curriculum to help reinforce their classroom instruction, he added. “And, I would be remiss if I didn't point out the dedication, commitmenr and very long hours our faculty have given to ensure the success of our students and our nursing program,” said McGill.

McGill stated that the college's scores for the Associate Degree or registered nursing program graduates this year exceed the national average of 88.2% and are just slightly under the state's average of 89.6%. The averages are based on registered nursing programs at both 2-year and 4-year institutions.

The college's Licensed Practical Nursing graduates performed just as well on their most recent exam, with an 89.7% passage rate, again exceeding the national average (85.2%) and just under the state average of 94.8%.

Coverage of this release:

• Calhoun improves rate of passage on state nursing exam, The Athens News-Courier, Wednesday, October 28, 2009 issue, p.21A
• Calhoun nursing graduates increase passing rate on test, The Decatur Daily, Friday, October 23, 2009 issue, p.D6

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Janet Kincherlow-Martin
Director of Public Relations
(256) 306-2561

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