BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Nursing graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University’s Class of 2024 achieved a pass rate of 97% on the NCLEX exam.
The NCLEX is a national licensure exam that students must pass before earning their license as a Registered Nurse. The 2023 state average pass rate stood at 85% while the national average was 89%. While the 2024 state and national average will not be available until early 2025, the 2024 IWU nursing graduates are well above the 2023 benchmarks.
In recent years, the pass rates have been closely tracked by the faculty and staff of the program.
“We are always thrilled when we receive an email or a text from a student who is overjoyed to report that they passed. Of course we also follow up to be sure that a license has been issued in the state the graduate plans to practice,” said Director of the School of Nursing Amber Kujath '97.
An annual report by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will be released in early 2025, when the IWU results can be measured alongside state and national trends.
Kujath, who stepped into the position in 2023, said several interventions were put in place to support students and boost scores. NCLEX-style questions were implemented in the nursing curriculum beginning sophomore year and external tests were added to the program which could predict NCLEX performance. These external tests provided unbiased data, allowing for targeted improvements in both teaching methods and study strategies.
Kujath credits the entire nursing faculty for implementing new strategies within the program in the fall of 2022 following a dip in scores during the pandemic lockdown. Kujath added that while she teaches the senior level critical care course, she uses a philosophy that encourages students to “connect the dots” to identify the proper nursing interventions and evaluation.
“One of the most important skills in the nursing profession is clinical judgment. 'What data do I have and what does it mean? What do I need to do next — call a provider or report to the next shift that the patient is improving?' We also challenge students to determine which patients need more rapid interventions in critical situations,” she said.
According to Kujath, NCLEX success is more likely when students take the exam within the first 180 days after graduation. The class of 2024 took the exam in less than 60 days after earning their degree.
“I could not be prouder of the class of 2024,” she said. “They were an amazing group who brought their curiosity and attentiveness to every class and review session. Both students and faculty are excited about the 2024 results and have continued high expectations for future cohorts.”