Overall NCLEX scores over six years show steady improvement
LIBERAL, Kan. – The most recent group of nursing graduates from Seward County Community College has boosted the college’s overall NCLEX pass rate, Dr. Amber Randles announced at the June 15 meeting of the SCCC Board of Trustees.
“So far, all of this year’s graduates who have taken their licensing exam have passed,” she said. “As more students who graduated this year and in previous years attempt the test, that may change, but as of today, we’re seeing drastic improvements resulting from the program changes we’ve put in place.”
The vice president of career and technical education explained that the licensing body looks at the college’s overall pass rate for students over several years.
In 2025, SCCC nursing students achieved a pass rate of 82 percent (LPN) and 80 percent (RN) on the NCLEX tests for licensure and certification, according to program director Susan Ingland, division chair Lexi Honey, and Randles. With the latest set of test scores, the three-year average is edging higher — though it is important to remember that more students may continue to attempt the exam.
“We have to always keep in mind that the overall pass rate includes students who may have taken the test and did not pass in a previous year, and they’re trying again — and the NCLEX takes all those scores into consideration,” said Randles. “So it’s really important that our nursing program prepares the students for the exam in addition to covering all the materials and knowledge needed to be a fully capable nurse.”
SCCC President Brad Bennett noted the pass rates reflect the nursing program’s turnaround after scores dropped in 2020. SCCC’s nursing program updated curricula and teaching methodology following the COVID-19 pandemic, which had adversely affected pass rates and presented challenges for instructors and students alike.
Nursing program director Susan Ingland said her team adopted new, intensive measures to help students master the material.
“COVID taught us a lot about how to strengthen and improve learning for our students,” she said. “Our instructors stepped up to increase test preparation and offer students even more resources to ensure their success.”
SCCC’s 2026 Instructor of the Year, nursing faculty member Melissa Emery, accepts her award from Vice President of Career & Technical Education, Dr. Amber Randles.
The strategy was met with appreciation from students, as revealed in the 2026 “Instructor of the Year” award recipient Melissa Emery. The annual award is presented to a member of the college faculty for excellence in teaching, as determined by votes from SCCC students. Emory’s nursing students said her continued focus on helping them prepare for the NCLEX gave them confidence and the ability to succeed.
Division chair Lexi Honey said SCCC’s blend of in-person and online learning has expanded the tools available to students. “We know our students need flexibility in terms of access to materials, lectures, and reviews, and the Saints Anywhere online platform has given us so many ways to deliver what they need,” she said.
SCCC President Brad Bennett spoke about the regional impact of the Allied Health nursing program: “Rural hospitals and health care providers are in high demand, and count on the college to partner with them in keeping our region healthy and strong,” he said. “At SCCC, we take pride in providing the training and support for students who want to enter the nursing field. Like everything in higher education, we know that progress and improvement take time. Our nursing program is strong, and dedicated to providing nurses to the region for many years to come.”
Categories: Academic Affairs, Allied Health Division, Student Success
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