Nursing Graduates Pass Licensure Exam at Rate Exceeding State and National Percentages

For Immediate Release

River Forest, IL—Nursing students at Dominican University passed a required licensing exam last year at a rate that exceeds state and national passage rates.

In 2024, 97% of nursing graduates from the Elizabeth T. MacNeil School of Nursing successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

In comparison, the state of Illinois registered nurse passage rate for 2024 was 87%, while the national rate was 91%, according to results published by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Thirty-four DU graduates took the NCLEX in 2024. The passage rate also increased by 7% over the previous year.

The NCLX is required to become a licensed nurse in the United States, and it determines if the test-taker is ready to practice nursing.

“Achievement of the 97% NCLEX pass rate shows the dedication of our students to succeed and the dedication of the faculty and staff to help them succeed,” said Dr. Myra Carew, executive director of the Elizabeth T. MacNeil School of Nursing. “It also tells me that the community is behind these students as well. It’s not just us in nursing or in Borra College of Health Sciences. It’s the support of the whole Dominican University community.”

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our nursing program,” said Dr. Glena G. Temple, Dominican University president. “As we work to grow the program, we know that high achievement must accompany this growth. The NCLEX passage rate is a key indicator this is occurring.”

While preparing students to excel is built into the foundation of the nursing program, Carew notes that the addition of a retention specialist has been a driving force in boosting achievement. The retention specialist works with students to improve their study skills and test-taking abilities, while also tracking their progress, collaborating with their professors, and intervening when additional support is needed.

“I think the retention specialist is a huge part of our high passage rate,” Carew said. “It’s also faculty evaluating the courses and seeing what is needed, as well as identifying areas that can be strengthened. These are the two key factors.”

About Dominican University      

Founded in 1901, Dominican University is a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic institution offering an Associate of Arts in liberal arts and sciences, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences, the Borra College of Health Sciences, the Brennan School of Business and the College of Applied Social Sciences. The university also offers doctoral degrees in information studies and applied social justice. U.S. News & World Report ranks Dominican University in the top 20 of Midwest regional master’s level universities, #1 in the Midwest for Best Value and #1 in Illinois for best undergraduate teaching and ensuring the social mobility of its graduates. A nationally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Dominican University has campuses in River Forest and Chicago's Pilsen community.