CIU nursing students leading the way in SC
February 25, 2025
Nursing education programs in South Carolina generated some of the highest National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates in the nation for 2024, with students in Columbia International University’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program among those leading the way.
According to data released by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, South Carolina placed sixth in the nation for registered nursing with a 94.7% pass rate for first-time NCLEX takers.
CIU is among four South Carolina institutions with a 100% pass rate for the RN exam! A passing score on the NCLEX is required for nursing graduates to be licensed to practice in the United States.
Interim Dean of the CIU School of Nursing, Angela Condor, calls the CIU students’ success “amazing” because nursing schools are critiqued by their first-time pass rate.
“Achieving a 100% first-time pass rate reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and, most importantly, our students,” Condor said. “This accomplishment not only highlights the quality of education provided at CIU, but also showcases how our program integrates rigorous education and training with teaching from a biblical perspective. The result is exceedingly competent ministering professionals who are serving as the hands and feet of Christ.”
Emily Farr, director of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, said she hopes South Carolina nursing school graduates will choose careers in the state.
“South Carolina offers job opportunities across a diverse range of healthcare practice settings. I am hopeful this talented group of graduates will choose to remain in our state and contribute to the health and well-being of its citizens,” Farr said.
The students from CIU’s first cohort are all employed as nurses in the Columbia area.
The first CIU nursing classes were offered in January 2022, and already the BSN major is one of CIU’s fastest growing undergraduate programs. CIU also offers an online RN to BSN program.
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