The Columbia International University nursing program is celebrating another big success.
The second cohort of prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students had a 100% first time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam, just as the first cohort did in February.
NCLEX-RN stands for the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse which the students must pass to become a licensed register nurse.
Dean of the CIU School of Nursing, Angela Conder says passing the NCLEX marks the students’ official transition from nursing student to a licensed, prepared professional nurse.
“For CIU graduates, passing the NCLEX demonstrates their mastery of essential nursing knowledge, clinical judgment, and readiness to provide safe, competent care,” Conder said. “It’s a culmination of their academic preparation, hands-on clinical training, and spiritual formation that equips them to serve with excellence and compassion in diverse healthcare settings.”
Conder also notes that NCLEX success is one of the most visible indicators of a program’s academic rigor and effectiveness.
“At the CIU School of Nursing, strong NCLEX pass rates reflect the quality of our Christ-centered curriculum, the dedication of our faculty, and the strength of our clinical partnerships,” Conder said. “It validates our commitment to preparing competent, compassionate nurses who are not only clinically skilled but also spiritually grounded. It also affirms that our graduates are leaving CIU well-equipped to meet the demands of the complex healthcare environment.”
As data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows a serious nursing shortage in South Carolina, most CIU nursing graduates are working in the Columbia area.
“This reflects our commitment to serving the local community and the strong relationships we’ve built with healthcare organizations in the area,” Conder said. “Our graduates are actively contributing to local hospitals bringing both clinical excellence and a faith-informed approach to patient care.”
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