The W’s nursing programs recognized for exam scores, ease of access
Mississippi University for Women’s Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences continues to ring in the new year with accolades.
The registered nurse (RN) program was ranked No. 1 in the state by RegisteredNursing.org, an online resource for finding nursing education and employment resources.
The ranking is based on NCLEX-RN scores, the national licensing exam. Graduates of The W’s program must pass the exam to become registered nurses. The W had the highest cumulative pass rate in the state with a score of 99.36, maintaining first place in the state for another year.
“The exam changed this past year, so remaining No. 1 is even more important this time. Being No. 1 in the state speaks volumes for the dedication our faculty have to the high standards of our programs,” said Dr. Brandy Larmon, dean of the Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Larmon said the reason The W maintains its position atop the state is the dedication and commitment of its educators to make sure students leave prepared for a career in nursing.
“The key to our excellence is the faculty, the curriculum, the sustained leadership and the standards we have maintained. Many of our faculty are alumni and carry on the high standards they learned here,” Larmon said.
The RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online program was also recognized as No. 2 in the state by RNtoMSN.org, a nursing education website.
The ranking was based on a number of factors including affordability, program quality, reputation and student outcomes.
“This is a great honor for our program and a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students. We are pleased that others recognize our long-term commitment to preparing leaders in the promotion and maintenance of health and the improvement of healthcare outcomes across all settings at the local, state, national and global levels,” said Dr. Maria Scott, chair of the BSN Department.
The W prides itself on having a flexible program that can accommodate most any student. This is a key factor in the program’s lasting success, according to Scott.
“The flexibility of our program allows the busiest of nurses to pursue career advancement while receiving a quality nursing education from The W. We have dedicated faculty and staff available to support our students as they strive to achieve their educational goals,” Scott said.
This includes adding a part-time option for busy students.
“Having a part-time option available is something our students have been requesting, and we are now happy to be able to provide. This part-time option will provide our students with additional flexibility to complete their BSN degree while also maintaining their focus on a healthy work/life balance,” Scott said.