2025 marks the third consecutive year Missouri Southern’s nursing program cohort has received a 100 percent pass rate of the NCLEX, an outstanding accomplishment for the university.
The National Council Licensure Examination, or the NCLEX, is a standardized exam every nursing student must pass to become a licensed registered nurse in the United States. It is designed to test the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary for safe and effective practice for new nurses. The exam’s algorithm increases the difficulty of questions on a concept until competency is determined. Areas such as safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, as well as psychological and physiological integrity are covered in the NCLEX-RN.
The typical pass rate varies year by year. Data from 2024 shows 91.9 percent of first-time, U.S.-educated nursing graduates from a baccalaureate program passed the NCLEX-RN. Data for 2025 so far indicates that the pass rate averages at 88.2 percent for NCLEX-RN candidates who graduated from a baccalaureate program. MSSU Nursing has achieved a pass rate above the national average for the last five years.
“Achieving a 100 percent first-time pass rate is a significant accomplishment for any nursing program,” said Dr. Lisa Beals, chair of the nursing department at MSSU. “Achieving it for three years in a row, plus having a student retention rate of 75 percent or higher, is evidence of a high-quality program.”
The hard work of the nursing graduates and nursing faculty significantly contributes to this success in several ways: innovative teaching methods, clinical partnerships and hands-on training, frequent formative assessments, and NCLEX-focused curriculum alignment. The program fosters a caring and supportive environment for their students, helping them develop an identity as nursing professionals with a focus on patient-centered healthcare.
“Preparation begins with the curriculum, student engagement, and excellence in teaching from day one of the program,” said Beals. “Online or in-person review courses, simulation labs and clinical scenario reviews, not to mention faculty-led review sessions are just some of the typical preparation methods for our students.”
Students demonstrate their major role in the 100 percent pass rate by dedication in coursework and clinicals, participation in study groups and review sessions, exhibiting resilience and discipline, and proactively seeking feedback and support.
“Their commitment to excellence is essential to each graduate’s success on the NCLEX-RN,” Beals said.
The 100 percent pass rate reinforces the university’s standing as a leader in nursing education. For graduates, it opens doors to employment and further educational opportunities. The healthcare field also gains a steady stream of educated and equipped nurses, which is vital for patient safety and care.
“This achievement is not just a number—we do not just teach to pass an exam,” said Beals. “It’s a reflection of collaboration, dedication, and excellence. It speaks volumes about the culture of support and high standards at MSSU Nursing. In a time when healthcare systems face immense challenges, producing nurses who are ready from day one is more important than ever.”
