Southern Miss Nursing Students Receive 100% Pass Rate on NCLEX
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 02:18pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) continues to set a gold standard in healthcare education. In 2024, all students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Additionally, the December graduates of the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program also earned a 100% pass rate on their first attempt—marking the third consecutive cohort to reach this milestone. This achievement reflects the program’s rigorous curriculum and the high level of preparedness students bring to the healthcare field.
Arlene Jones, director of the School of Professional Nursing Practice, commended the faculty and students for their dedication and hard work. She emphasized that the program’s success is the result of multiple factors, including effective teaching methods, a well-designed curriculum, and strong clinical and simulation experiences.
“Student dedication to learning and rigorous studying is crucial to achieving such a high pass rate,” Jones said. “This achievement will have a positive impact on healthcare as a strong pipeline of qualified nurses that are ready to contribute to patient care. The legacy of USM Nursing continues with having students Ready For Life.”
Southern Miss enrolls approximately 350 students in the BSN program each semester, offering a traditional nursing program at the Hattiesburg campus and an accelerated nursing program at the Gulf Park campus. The CNHP graduates two cohorts from each program annually, with many students being first-generation college students from Mississippi who are committed to enhancing healthcare in the state.
Dr. Lachel Story, CNHP dean, expressed pride in the program’s continued success since its founding in 1967.
“With the complexity of healthcare and the ongoing nursing shortage, we are thrilled that our program is preparing graduates at the highest level to provide quality care in Mississippi and beyond,” said Story.
Learn more about The University of Southern Mississippi | Nursing programs and its gold standard in healthcare.