FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2008
Contact: Jessica Wong
(662) 329-7119

MUW graduate nursing program has 100 percent pass rate on ANCC exam

COLUMBUS, Miss. – The graduate nursing program at Mississippi University for Women recently announced a 100 percent pass rate on the American Nurses Credentialing Center nurse practitioner exam for 2007. The program surpassed the national average mean score of 396.59 with its score of 412.29.

The 2007 class was the first year of teaching for four of the graduate nursing faculty. It was also Dr. Patsy Smyth’s first year as chair of the program.

“I was very excited and of course gratified. It was also my first year as program chair so it made it even sweeter for me. Because of the true commitment of all the faculty, we work hard to make this program a continued success,” she said.

The MUW graduate nursing program prides itself on its expertise because all the Master’s faculty are working nurse practitioners who practice in local clinics. While they teach information from books and research literature, they also teach based on their own experiences working in the profession.

“It is rare in a graduate program to have all faculty positions filled by practicing NPs. Some programs have faculty who haven’t touched patients in years. The dean, Sheila Adams, recognizes the need to maintain clinical expertise and supports us to achieve this goal,” Smyth said.

Also, a graduate nursing student, Mary Chance-Peeler, was awarded the highly-competitive National Health Services Corps Scholarship. This national scholarship is awarded to outstanding individuals who have committed to serving and improving the health of underserved communities. The scholarship covers fees for up to four years of education including tuition and fees and book and equipment expenses. Doctors, nurse practitioners, dentists, and physician assistants also qualify for the scholarship.

Peeler qualified for the scholarship based upon her answers regarding her attitude toward healthcare service in a rural, medically underserved area. After accepting the scholarship, she agreed to work for at least two years in a medically underserved area.

“There are many areas that I can serve in across the United States, but I will most likely be working in a rural clinic in Northern Mississippi,” Peeler said.

She found out about the scholarship from Smyth when she interviewed for entrance into the nurse practitioner program. In 2006, approximately 92 participants received the scholarship, meaning only 1 in 7 that applied received the scholarship.