The nursing program at the State University of West Georgia reached a milestone when 100 percent of its spring 2003 BSN graduates passed the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN) on the first attempt.

West Georgia's nursing program is one of a handful of nursing programs in the United States to achieve a 100 percent first-attempt pass rate. Dr. Kathryn Grams, chair of the Nursing Department, cited three years of changes and innovation as the catalyst for this accomplishment.

"Our faculty and students have been working very hard to achieve this perfect score," she said.

The NCLEX examination is designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of professional nursing. Licensure to practice as a registered nurse in Georgia is granted only to those who pass it.

The Georgia Board of Nursing recognizes the first-attempt NCLEX-RN passing rate as an important indicator of program excellence.

West Georgia's Nursing Department offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares individuals for initial licensure as registered nurses.

It is the graduates of this program who distinguished themselves with the 100 percent passing rate. An RN-BSN program is also available to individuals who are already licensed as registered nurses and seek professional advancement.

The RN-BSN program is offered at the Carrollton campus and at the external degree campuses at Dalton State College and Floyd College, making it one of the largest programs of its type in Georgia, according to Grams.

December marked the first commencement ceremony for graduates of West Georgia's Master of Science program. This degree program offers role options in either nursing education or health systems leadership.

For information concerning any of the nursing degree programs, call Grams at 770-836-6552.

- State University of West Georgia