Calhoun exceeds state, national averages on nursing tests

Jan. 31—Calhoun Community College's nursing students exceeded state and national passage rates on a recent national nursing test required for them to practice in the field.

Calhoun's Registered Nursing graduates had a 13-point increase over last year's rate on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing exam with a 95% graduate pass rate. The averages for Alabama and the nation are both 87.5%.

The college's Licensed Practical Nurse graduates' pass rate held steady at 98.25%. The LPN national pass rate was 83% while Alabama's passage rate was 87.5%.

In both programs, enrolled students attend classes in the Health Sciences Center on the Decatur or Huntsville campus for about three days per week for up to six hours per day. That time is used for nursing lectures and to develop their skills and proficiencies in the on-campus nursing laboratory.

The students then take clinical education at one of Calhoun's partner health care facilities each semester. The required number of clinical hours varies with each course.

Calhoun's nursing program has an extremely competitive admission process. Students are selected for admission based on their academic status and their Nursing Application Points System score.

Nursing information sessions are scheduled for those who are interested in enrolling in one of Calhoun's programs. The first is Feb. 1 at 4 p.m. in room 318, of the Sparkman Building on Huntsville campus.

The second session is at 4 p.m. on March 1 in room 109 of the Health Sciences Building on Calhoun's Decatur campus.

For more information about Calhoun's RN or LPN program, or to apply, visit www.calhoun.edu/nursing.

bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2432. Twitter @DD_BayneHughes.