(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – May 7, 2019) - - -The Columbia State Community College nursing program recently received a 100 percent National Council Licensure Examination pass rate for the fall 2018 nursing graduates.

The 100 percent first-time pass rate exceeds the national average of 88.3percent.

“A 100% first-attempt credentialing exam pass rate is a testament to the determination and ability of nursing students as well as the quality of the nursing education experience at Columbia State,” said Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “Supplying registered nurses to take care of patients requires the collective effort of every Columbia State employee – everyone is proud of this accomplishment.”

Columbia State nursing graduates completed four semesters of classroom instruction and 450 hours of clinical instruction in order to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing.

Nursing students are trained to provide direct patient care in various areas, including medical, surgical, pediatrics and more. After graduation, these nurses will work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, schools and home health care settings.

“The nursing faculty work diligently to help students achieve a high benchmark that is essential for providing safe, patient-centered nursing care,” said Dr. Cheryl Smith, Columbia State nursing program director.

The Columbia State nursing program is committed to excellence in nursing education. It has received full approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The program’s four-year average graduate job placement rate is 97.6 percent.

Columbia State’s nursing program has a competitive admission process with applicants admitted twice per year. For more information about applying to the program, contact Smith at 931.540.2608 or csmith56@ColumbiaState.edu, or visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Nursing.