SIC Nursing Grads NCLEX Scores Above National Average
Southeastern Illinois College nursing programs have surpassed state pass rates again this year with 100% of registered nurse (RN) graduates and 97% of licensed practical nurse (LPN) graduates passing the National Council Licensure Examination upon their first attempt.
These scores are well above the state averages of 77% for LPN and RN, as well as the national averages of 80% for both categories. SIC’s combined scores were higher than any other college south of Interstate 80.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the director, instructors, and students,” said President Dr. Jonah Rice. “We emphasize quality first and foremost over quantity, and these continuously impressive pass rates are a testament to that fact. Our nursing program is top notch!”
Pass rates for SIC’s LPN graduates have not dipped below 95% in the past 12 years, and the lowest RN pass rate in the past 12 years has been 88% (still well above the current state average). Overall perfect pass rates in the past 10 years were earned five times for the RN program and six times for the LPN program.
“SIC’s NCLEX scores are consistently high. That speaks very strongly to the hard work and dedication of the faculty and students,” said SIC Director of Nursing, Amy Murphy. “Faculty are constantly challenged with changing curricula and industry expectations. Our instructors are top-shelf; they always go above and beyond to strive for excellence.”
SIC’s scores have remained strong, despite overall percentages dropping both nationally and statewide since 2020. SIC’s combined pass rates are the best in the Illinois, south of Chicago. Official rates can be found at idfpr.illinois.gov/.
Application for the fall 2023 nursing programs ends March 31. To qualify, applicants must meet the outlined prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better, pass a pre-entrance exam, and attend an advisement meeting. Due to the rigorous training involved in the nursing profession, only those with the top entrance scores will be accepted.
Applicants do not need to make an appointment to attend an advisement meeting, and there are still a few dates available for this year: March 15, 23, 28, and 31. Advisement meetings are held in room T220 and last approximately one hour. ADN advisement meetings are for applicants currently enrolled in an approved PN program or who have an unencumbered PN license.
Nursing program applications are only accepted online. Apply online by visiting www.sic.edu/apply and then select nursing applications in the bottom right corner. Choose Practical Nursing Application or Associate Degree Nursing Application. Be prepared to attach proof of residency within the application.
For those who would like to become a certified nurse assistant (CNA), registration begins March 27 for summer and fall semesters. CNA classes are tuition free.
The Southeastern Illinois College nursing program began in 1955 with a class of 13 students in the lower level of Harrisburg High School. It was the only program of its kind in Illinois, south of St. Louis, at that time. Since then, it has grown to approximately 100 students each year and includes online and traditional classes
Nursing program applications for fall 2023 must be submitted by March 31. For more information on nursing, contact Amy Murphy, Director of Nursing, at 618-252-5400, ext. 2330 or nursing@sic.edu, or visit sic.edu/nursing.
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