Columbia State Community College recently celebrated 41 nursing graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Webster Athletic Center.

“The Columbia State nursing faculty and staff are happy to celebrate the nursing graduates of Fall 2023,” said Dr. Amy Huff, Columbia State nursing program director. “They have chosen to pursue one of the most trusted, rewarding and challenging professions. We wish them the very best on their nursing journeys as they prepare to care for their communities as registered nurses.”

Columbia State nursing graduates completed four semesters of classroom instruction and 540 hours of clinical instruction to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing.

Next, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination in order to earn licensure, which is required to practice as a registered nurse. The 2022 Columbia State nursing students’ first-attempt pass rate for the NCLEX is 92%, exceeding both the state average of 86% and national average of 80%.

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

“Congratulations to these soon-to-be registered nurses for choosing valuable educational pathways to prepare for rewarding careers and economic independence,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division.

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 three-year average graduate job placement rate is 99.7%. 

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

View more photos from the event here.