IU East received notice from the Indiana State Board of Nursing that associate of science in nursing and bachelor of science in nursing degrees program scores for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) were above the national pass rate for the 2002-2003 graduating class. The B.S.N. pass rate was 95.45 percent and the A.S.N. pass rate was 93.33 percent, compared to the national pass rate of 81.7 percent.

“I am extremely pleased with the success of our students on the National Council Licensure Exam,” said Karen Clark, interim dean of the IU School of Nursing at the East campus. “Nursing is a difficult program of study that requires a broad knowledge base to practice in today’s health-care arena.  With pass rates above the national norm, our community can be assured that IU East graduates are well prepared to care for the health-care needs of our citizens.”

Julie Conley, a 2003 B.S.N. grad who works at Reid Hospital, chose IU East because it was close to home. However, she was more than pleased with the education she received. When it came to taking the NCLEX, she had no doubts about her readiness for the exam. “I felt absolutely prepared,” she said.

The nursing program is part of the IU School of Nursing, the nation’s largest and one of the most comprehensive schools of nursing. IU East’s program offers both the two-year and four-year degrees. In addition, a program for registered nurses wishing to earn a bachelor’s degree, referred to as R.N. to B.S.N. mobility option, is offered. Admission to the nursing programs is highly competitive, and students must undergo a selective admissions process based on their academic record.