C-N Nursing graduates celebrate 100% NCLEX pass rate

In their first attempt, 100% of Carson-Newman University’s 2025 nursing graduates passed National Council Licensing Examinations (NCLEX). The test, a mandatory examination for licensure as a registered nurse, is designed in part to assure the public of a nurse’s ability to provide quality care.

Dr. Lana Spence, Carson-Newman dean of the College of Health Sciences, said the recent news reflects a commitment to excellence in teaching, clinical preparation and student support. She added that the results reveal something even beyond that.

“Equally important is the culture of mentorship we cultivate at Carson-Newman,” she said. “Students are known personally, challenged academically, and supported holistically—spiritually, intellectually, and professionally.”

Carson-Newman BSN students complete a minimum of 810 clinical hours, with many students exceeding that number through additional nursing electives and specialized experiences. Opportunities such as global mission electives and the ROTC Nurse Summer Training Program allow students to further expand their clinical understanding beyond required coursework.

Students are exposed to a broad range of clinical experiences that are immersive. From medical-surgical units and critical care, to maternal-newborn care and psychiatric nursing, students gain valuable experience that ensures they graduate well-prepared to serve patients across the lifespan.

Spence said that Carson-Newman’s Nursing Program is different than a lot programs by how it integrates academic rigor and extensive clinical knowledge within the University’s Christ-centered mission.

“We do not simply prepare students to meet professional standards,” she noted. “We prepare them to serve with integrity, humility, and respect for the dignity of every person. My hope is that our graduates leave Carson-Newman with more than clinical competence—they should carry a deep sense of purpose in how they practice nursing.”