Number of LCCC students passing nursing exams tops state, national rates

The number of Lorain County Community College nursing graduates passing the 2021 National Council Licensure Examination has outpaced state and national rates, the college announced last week. Out of 155 LCCC registered nursing graduates to take the NCLEX, 135 or more than 87 percent passed the 2021 exam. The state passing rate is 79.07 percent, and the national rate is 82.48 percent. Also, 90 percent of LCCC's licensed practical nursing graduates, or 27 out of 30, passed the NCLEX in 2021. That surpassed the state rate (73.38 percent) and the national rate (79.6 percent). "We are so proud of our students and the hard work they have put in to prepare themselves to become nurses," said Mary Grady, a registered nurse, doctor of nursing practice, continued nursing educator, nursing professor and LCCC nursing programs administrator. "These passing rates indicate how ready they are to begin their journey as nurses." Grady said 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. "This is not an easy program or career choice and it is important that we provide our students with the highest quality classroom, lab and clinical training experiences possible so that they are prepared to deliver quality patient care as professional nurses," Grady said. LCCC's registered nursing 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 college said. There are three pathways to becoming a registered nurse through LCCC: An associate degree in nursing, licensed practical nurse to registered nurse and paramedic to registered nurse. It also offers two pathways through its program offered at the Firelands Campus of Bowling Green State University: associate degree in nursing and licensed practical nurse to registered nurse. For advanced degrees, there is LCCC's University Partnership program including bachelor's degrees in nursing from both Ohio University and Western Governors University. "Like all LCCC programs, our nursing pathways are designed with input from local employers. 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 President Marcia Ballinger said.