Two Groups of Ashland University Nursing Graduates Score High Pass Rates

MANSFIELD, Ohio - Jan. 31, 2019 - PRLog -- Graduates from two separate programs in Ashland University's Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences have scored outstanding pass rates on their licensing (NCLEX-RN) and certification (FNP) exams.

Graduates of the College's pre-licensure nursing programs have a 95 percent first attempt pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for 2018 as reported by the Ohio Board of Nursing, while graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program have a 100 percent first attempt pass rate on the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification Examination for 2018 as reported by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.

Dr. Carrie Keib, dean of the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences at AU, said this is exciting news for the College. "We are very proud of our graduates and grateful for the dedicated faculty, staff, alumni and many community partners who support our programs. This success is our shared success as graduates assume BSN and DNP/FNP roles with commitment to practice, leadership and service," Keib said.

NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam each state board of nursing uses to determine whether a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice. Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, a nursing graduate assumes the official title of registered nurse. The 95 percent pass rate applies to Ashland's Traditional, Advanced Entry and Accelerated Nursing (15 months) programs and it is higher than the state average of 86.88 percent and the national average of 91.57 percent for first attempt BSN NCLEX-RN candidates.

The 95 percent pass rate also is the highest for the program since 2012, when the program moved into the new academic building on the Mansfield campus at the corner of Trimble Road and Marion Avenue.

Keib said the 100 percent FNP Certification Examination pass rate for the BSN to DNP program graduates is a fantastic achievement for this first cohort of graduates.

"These high pass rates show the hard work of the students that enter the program and the dedication of the faculty to prepare the students to become excellent nurse practitioners," said Dr. Lisa Young, assistant professor of Nursing at AU's Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Ashland University is a current recipient of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) that provides up to 85 percent loan forgiveness for DNP students in the Family Nurse Practitioner or Health Systems Leadership tracks who are committed to serving in a faculty role for four years following graduation.

Ashland also offers an online RN to BSN degree program. The RN to BSN program offers six entry points, full- and part-time options, and structured support with direct access to program administrators and faculty.

"We are so pleased that our online RN to BSN program has been independently ranked by Best College Reviews as the 28th best online program in the country, and the top private school program in Ohio. This is in part due to very reasonable, competitive tuition combined with an individualized, flexible student experience targeted to working professionals," said Dr. Jackie Owens, associate professor of Nursing at AU's Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Two certificate programs also are available. The School Nurse Certificate offers flexible, online graduate-level courses to advance the knowledge and skills of nurses working in schools. Graduates are eligible to apply for the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Professional Pupil Services License as a School Nurse. This ODE license is required in the state of Ohio to use the title School Nurse. The online Nurse Educator Certificate program consists of four courses that prepare RNs for the various roles and responsibilities of nurse educators/faculty teaching in nursing programs or healthcare settings.

Keib noted that both the Ashland University Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Additionally, The Ohio Board of Nursing granted full approval for the Baccalaureate Nursing Program in 2018. The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits Ashland University.

Ashland University, which has been ranked in the top tier of colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report's National Universities category, is a mid-sized, comprehensive private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Religiously affiliated with the Brethren Church, Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) deeply values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.