Virginia Western Community College announces that its nursing program has exceeded the state and national average for first-time pass rate of the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure exam for the second year in a row. The nursing class of 2017 had a first-time pass rate of 98 percent compared to the national average of 84 percent for associate degree programs.
“We are thrilled with the success of our graduates and remain focused on providing the education and skills that will allow them to thrive,” said Lauren Hayward, program director of nursing. “The vast majority of our students receive job offers prior to graduation and more than 95 percent of them stay and work in the communities we serve.”
Virginia Western is accepting applications for the incoming Fall 2018 nursing class. Prospective students must complete the application and provide all the requested academic transcripts no later than March 1, 2018. For more information on how to apply for the nursing program, please visit: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academics/health-professions/nursing/apply/.
“Healthcare is a great economic driver for the Roanoke Region and our health professions programs support the industry by preparing students to seamlessly begin and prosper in their careers,” said Dr. Robert H. Sandel, President of Virginia Western. “We are proud of our nursing program and the fantastic graduates it produces.”
Virginia Western’s nursing program is fully approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and collaborates with an advisory board comprised of professionals from the region’s healthcare providers. The nursing program tailors its curriculum to prepare students for employment in the ever-changing world of healthcare.
“With the caliber of topnotch nurses graduating from Virginia Western Community College’s nursing school, it is evident that the program is among the best in the nation,” said Margaret Lea Lee, Chief Nursing Officer at LewisGale Medical Center. “The graduates are well-prepared to meet both the clinical and personal needs of our patients and their families. Their commitment to delivering high quality, compassionate care also aligns with our Medical Center’s overall culture.”
Virginia Western’s nursing program prides itself on a process of continual quality improvement, most recently demonstrated by the Candidacy Status granted by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
For more information about Virginia Western’s nursing program, please visit https://www.virginiawestern.edu/academics/health-professions/nursing/ or call 540-857-7306.
