December 2, 2024

by Liz Mendicino ’26

Nursing students in the Ramapo College Class of 2024 all passed the National Council of Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on their first attempt. “All” equals an extraordinary 116 students, the largest graduated nursing cohort in college history. This is the second year in a row nursing graduates attained a 100% pass rate. The 106 students in the Class of 2023 who sat for the exam also passed on their first attempt. This is an impressive accomplishment, and testimony to the quality of education in the nursing programs at Ramapo College.

Students work closely with faculty in the simulation lab to learn hands-on techniques for patient care.

Through collaboration with faculty, staff, and their peers throughout their time at Ramapo, the nursing class rose to the challenge, demonstrating exceptional resilience and success. “The students are all aware of the tremendous responsibility that they are undertaking,” said Dr. Kathleen Burke, professor of nursing and assistant dean of nursing programs. “To that end, they diligently work with the faculty on the development of clinical judgment and patient advocacy. I applaud their success, and congratulate the faculty and staff on a stellar job!”

Students are eligible to sit for the exam around 45 days after graduating. If they do not pass, they have to wait a minimum of another 45 days to retake the exam. This adds a considerable amount of time to become licensed and able to begin practicing. With an impressive first-time pass rate for so many students, New Jersey hospitals and healthcare centers were able to fill vacant positions quicker.

This is the second year in a row RCNJ nursing graduates attained a 100% pass rate.

The national pass rate for the NCLEX is 78%, with New Jersey’s average pass rate slightly higher at 83%. Ramapo’s premiere program enables students to strive for greatness, and consistently outperform the national average. All nursing students must pass the exam in order to become licensed registered nurses in the U.S.

RCNJ Class of 2024 Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Ramapo College of New Jersey’s undergraduate nursing program continues to attract a record number of applicants, reflecting its growing reputation for excellence. Over the past three years, applications to the BSN program have surged by 36%. To meet this rising demand and address the critical nursing shortage in New Jersey, the College recently expanded its nursing facilities and added faculty, supported in part by $3.5 million in legislative appropriations over the last two years, championed by Senator and Chair of the Senate Budget Committee and Deputy Majority Leader Paul Sarlo (D36-Wood-Ridge), Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Gordon Johnson (D37-Englewood), Senator Joe Lagana (D38-Paramus), and Assemblywoman and Assembly Appropriations Chair Lisa Swain (D38-Fair Lawn). This expansion also aligns with the recent launch of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program.

To learn more about nursing at Ramapo College, including the BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP degree programs, visit ramapo.edu/nursing.

All smiles from BSN nursing graduates!