Nursing graduates outpace state, national exam rates

The number of Lorain County Community College nursing graduates who passed the 2023 National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) has outpaced state and national rates, according to information from the Ohio Board of Nursing in a news release.

Out of the 116 LCCC associate degree nursing (RN) graduates who took the National Council Licensure Examination in 2023, 93.04% passed, well surpassing the state average of 86.73% and the national average of 88.56%, the release said.

Additionally, 100% percent of LCCC’s licensed practice nursing (LPN) graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination exam in 2023, also surpassing the state, which was 80.38%, and national, which was 86.68%, passing rates, according to the release.

“We are so proud of our students and the hard work they have put in to prepare themselves to become nurses,” said Mary Grady, LCCC nursing programs administrator and nursing professor in the release. “These passing rates indicate how ready our LCCC graduates are to begin their journey as nurses.”

“The high passing rate for LCCC grads is also a testament to the rigorous academic program developed by LCCC faculty and their commitment to high standards,” said LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, PhD in the release. “This expectation of excellence prepares students for careers.”

More than 90% of LCCC graduates live and work in Northeast Ohio, and LCCC is the number one training location in Lorain County for first responders, including nurses, according to the release.

LCCC’s RN graduates are highly regarded by the area’s health care community and are employed at hospitals, long-term care facilities and a variety of other health care agencies within Lorain County and the region, the release said.

“Like all LCCC programs, our nursing pathways are designed with input from local employers,” Ballinger said. “The result is nurses who are ready for the job on day one, providing top notch care to patients at our region’s health care facilities.”

LCCC offers three pathways to becoming an RN: associate degree in nursing; licensed practical nurse to registered nurse; and paramedic to registered nurse.

For those looking for an advanced degree, LCCC’s University Partnership program includes bachelor’s degrees in nursing from both Ohio University and Western Governors University.

For more information on LCCC’s nursing program visit www.lorainccc.edu/ nursing.