Quinsigamond Community College’s Practical Nursing program recently received word that graduates of the 2023 program achieved a 95% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a nationally recognized exam required to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Dean of the School of Healthcare Pat Schmohl attributes the students’ success to multiple factors, one of which is QCC’s faculty and curriculum.
“Our dedicated group of faculty members continuously strive to enhance student success by carefully selecting and integrating various educational materials. Great care was taken to align our course learning outcomes with the resources we provided, ensuring students benefit from all available supports,” said Schmohl.
Of the 62 students who graduated from QCC’s Practical Nursing program in 2023, 61 took the NCLEX and of those students, 58 passed on their first attempt. Data is not yet available for the Practical Nursing graduates from 2024.
Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Margaret Yoder also highlighted the importance of the Practical Nursing professors at QCC.
“I cannot speak highly enough to the fact that our faculty are really invested. Also, they are very diverse which reflects our student population. We have students from different countries and cultures and various socio-economic statuses, as well as single parents and speakers of other languages,” said Yoder.
Associate Professor of Nurse Education Chau Nguyen is one of those faculty members. Nguyen was an LPN student at QCC over a decade ago and after working in the field, obtaining a bachelor's and then a master's degree, she wanted to return to her roots and pay it forward.
"A lot of the students are immigrants, like myself. It helps the students to know that I was in their shoes before," said Nguyen.
Another contributing factor to the high pass rate is QCC’s adaptability in meeting students’ needs. According to Yoder, several years ago QCC analyzed student feedback and adjusted its scheduling and learning modalities to increase accessibility for students. Course times were altered and more curriculum became available online. Students were also given access to an exam preparation platform, ATI, which utilizes virtual coaches who reinforce material taught in the classroom.
“Students have the advantage of accessing materials online at any time, which facilitates learning when they are most ready and receptive. This flexibility, combined with the comprehensive nature of the resources, has significantly contributed to our high pass rates,” commented Schmohl.
Yoder also commented that faculty and staff take a holistic approach to student care.
“We spend time with students when they are struggling. We refer them to other supports at QCC such as counseling, parenting student services and the food pantry. It’s really a whole team effort,” said Yoder.
Yoder noted that there is still a shortage of nurses in Massachusetts, so it is critical to support these students who are vital to the state’s healthcare system. According to Nguyen, the Practical Nursing department keeps high standards for students, whether it's on exams or showing up to class on time, to ensure they are prepared for professional life as an LPN.
QCC’s Practical Nursing students graduate with a certificate and upon passing the NCLEX can work in various healthcare settings. QCC also offers pathways to build on the Practical Nursing certificate and become a registered nurse (RN).
Visit Practical Nursing to learn more.